From Grumbling to Gratitude

We continue our trip through the Bible with today’s reading of the familiar parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, a parable that appears only in Matthew. In many ways it is shocking because it seems so unfair. The worker who worked all day gets the same pay as the workers who came on the job later, even the same pay as the worker who arrived at the end of the day. It seems economically improper and unfeasible, and in the story the one who worked all day grumbles about it. But he was given his due, and it was the choice of the farmer to give everyone, even those who came late, a day’s pay. Paying attention we realize that it’s God’s economy. Those of us who have been committed to God all of our lives are no more welcomed or rewarded than those who arrive at the last minute. Knowing that should prompt us to be more grateful than grumbly, and it should encourage us to be inviting and welcoming to those who come later. We remember that Jesus in many cases dined and associated more with the people of low status than with those in the religious establishment of their day. We need to be grateful for God’s economy and share in it and extend it to others.