HOMILY OF SUNDAY IN THE 25TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR A
Isaiah 55:6-9, Philippians 1:20-24,27, Matthew 20:1-16
THEME: OUR COMMON IDENTITY
Before God, we are all brothers and sisters with equal right. While life’s circumstances may prevent us from simultaneously recognizing the fatherhood of God, it’s important to understand that God’s love is equally extended to all of us. The moment we realize that we all belong to God’s household, we will begin to play down our sense of jealousy towards others and be less envious.
Moreover, our achievements or status are simply evidence of God’s grace, and not the sign that we are better than others. If we happen to find ourselves in a more favorable position than others, we should contemplate elevating them so that they too can partake in the blessings we’ve been fortunate to receive.
Paul, in the second reading, longed to die and be with Jesus, but for the love he has for his flock, he prefers to stay longer and minister to their spiritual needs. That is selflessness, with which the power of jealousy or envy is weakened. We are meant to put others into consideration whenever we make our life choices.
In the parable shared by Jesus in the gospel, a landowner hired labourers at various times throughout the day, ultimately compensating them equally. Surprisingly, those who were employed early in the morning began to voice their displeasure. They said, “The men who came last” they said, “have done only one hour, and you have treated them the same as us, though we have done a heavy day’s work in all the heat.”
However, the landowner replied to them saying, “My friend, I am not being unjust to you; did we not agree on one denarius? Take your earnings and go. I choose to pay the last comer as much as I pay you. Have I no right to do what I like with my own? Why be envious because I am generous?” Thus, the last will be first, and the first, last.”
Let us be contented with our own achievement and cease from poke nosing into the success of others. If we reach there before others, we should help those behind us to arrive too.
May we always be open to celebrate others. Amen.
Leave a comment