I tell my radio listeners that I learn something new every day. It's true, and it never ceases to amaze me. A couple of weeks ago I was talking about today's Gospel reading from Matthew 20 - the story of the workers in the vineyard. And I got a new perspective.
A man hires workers to go work in his vineyard. He starts first thing in the morning, then goes out again later in the morning, then around noontime, and finally very late in the day. At the end of the day, he pays all of them the same amount. Naturally, the ones who worked all day were upset.
So here's a different perspective. The vineyard owner would probably have hired the most physically capable first. Then later in the day, those less physically capable, who had been passed over by others, would be left. So the vineyard owner gave them a shot. This thought woke me up. I've always related well with the laborers who toiled all day and got the same as someone who only worked an hour. But what if that one who only worked an hour could only work an hour? What if they were disabled and that's all they could muster? Would I still be upset? Or would I admire the vineyard owner for helping out someone in need, and giving them the dignity of work as well? I think it is the latter. What do you think about you?
Father, may we always be open to seeing the world through your eyes. Amen.
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