Vocation Meditation - September 21

When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, 'Call the labourers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.' When those hired about five o'clock came, each of them, received the usual daily wage.

Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' But he replied to one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I chose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?

The Kingdom of God belongs to everyone. God rewards the same gift to all: Eternal life! First to the Jews, then to the Gentiles and to all of us who came after them till the end of time. This comforting message goes to the very heart of our Christian religion. No matter when people enter the kingdom - later or sooner, in the first flush of youth, in the strength of the middle of the day, or when at the evening of their life - they are equally dear to God, called to share in His life of grace.

Nobody should have an exclusive claim to this saving gift of God. Jesus warned his apostles that this reward is also a gift, coming from the abundance of His love. It is God's prerogative to accomplish His loving will which in many ways, is mysterious to us. Who can comprehend the mind of God? He knows best. God's seemingly hidden yet loving ways work beautifully in the divine economy of salvation. Many times we run short of logical answers to His mysterious ways in our life and in the world. Here, God calls everyone to His Kingdom. He rewards all according to His generosity that knows no boundaries of time, race, and creed. Everyone has access to His love and mercy.

Vocation Challenge:
The Father knows best.
Do I surrender with faith and trust to the mysterious ways God works in my vocation?

For the full Gospel reading for this Sunday, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops site.

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