The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Wednesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Rose of Lima

Readings from the Liturgy of the Word:
Ezekiel 34:1-11
Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
Matthew 20:1-16

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

When you hear today’s gospel, do you get the feeling that what happened in the story was unfair? Does it seem that those who worked only one hour should get the same total pay as those who worked all day? Does it seem that those who worked all day had a legitimate complaint and issue with the landlord? Well, based on the standards of our culture, the answer is that it was unfair and that those who worked all day had a real reason to complain. In fact, in today’s society, this case may have ended up before a judge!

But that is just the point of the parable: the kingdom of God is different and God is no landlord, but a loving Father who gives freely to all. Whether one leads a good Christian life for 50 years or whether they have a dramatic conversion on their deathbed is of no concern to God. He gives His gift of the kingdom and eternal life to all that come to him, no matter when they show up. His giving is infinite and does not fit the standards of this world and that is why the Lord says, “The kingdom of heaven is like. . .” –so we may understand.

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)