Mass Readings and Scripture Reflections

 

I’ve always loved parables. As a child, I got taught that a parable is an earthly story that has a heavenly concept. This week’s parable in the scripture reading talks about the master of the vineyard who hires workers at different times but pays all the workers the same amount. The workers who started earlier were upset and the master explained that he wasn’t being unfair to them but rather he was being generous and merciful to the last workers. Jesus is trying to explain to us that the heart of God, who is so generous, is merciful even to those who might seem undeserving. He sees what we need even when others do not. 
The part of the scripture reading that perplexed me a bit was when Jesus said “The last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Matthew 20:16). In a world where in many instances, physical strength and material success is admired, Jesus is telling us that the good news of salvation is that all of us are equal in the eyes of God. He sees YOU and he values YOU. His generosity means that He goes out of his way to seek us out and give generously to us. Let us try and walk in God’s footsteps and seek out not only the weak and show them generosity and love but also remind them of God’s mercy and love.