25^th Sunday in Ordinary Time-A

I Reading: Isaiah 55:6-9: My thoughts are not your thoughts.

II Reading: Philippians 1:20-24.27: Life to me is Christ.

Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16 : Why be envious because I am generous?

The Parable of Workers in the Vineyard: God’s Glorious Grace

Jesus shows the marvellous grace of God in salvation, in giving eternal life in this passage.

1. God’s grace provides work for man-a field to tend or look after (v.1)

2. God’s grace seeks and calls men to work (v.1-7)

a. The early call: To the willing and eager

          1) Shown grace: promised a full wage

          2) Sent into the field

b. The late-comer call: to the idle-slothful-self-seeking-complacent

          1) Shown grace: A forceful challenge and a promise of a just wage

          2) Some responded

c. The constant call: to all-shows constant grace

d. The final call: the eleventh hour call-to the idle

          1) He strongly rebuked

          2) They excuse themselves

          3) They showed grace: a forceful challenge and the promise of a just wage

3. God’s grace pays the promised wages: at the appointed time, at the end of the day (v.8-15)

a. Paid through his foreman

b. Paid out of a heart of care and grace

          1) Cared and showed grace to the late comers: a full wage

          2) Cared and showed grace to the eager workers: a full wage

c. Pay is not based on works and energy: illustrated by the eager workers who murmured over the same pay

          1) Pay is gracious and just: a full wage as promised

          2) Pay is based on God’s care for all: for the last as well as for the first

d. Pay is not as man sees (evil, selfish eyes): Pay is as God’s wills-He is good

4. God’s justice will reign in paying what he promised (v.16).

Thought: Jesus not only condemns riches, unbelievers, Pharisees, Sadducees, but also he condemns the ordinary workers those who are full of envy, jealousy, pride, self-righteous, lazy, idle, hatred and complains etc.

God calls everyone to work in His Kingdom to be saved receiving the eternal life at the end of life. This is called the real unconditional love, forgiveness of sins and faithful love and the mercy of God for His people.

Let us experience the true joy, peace and happiness while praying, following, helping, proclaiming and working in the kingdom of God on earth and let Christ become our centre of life as Paul experienced and said “For me to live means just one thing: Christ! While death will bring me a fabulous gain!” (Phil 1:21)

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