The Way of the Day Week 3 Sundays Scripture

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, Each week we break from the current theme and explore the scriptures coming up at Mass this Sunday. The Sign of the Cross In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

A reading from the Gospel of St Matthew “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. When he had agreed with the labourers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. “Then he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. Again he went out about the sixth hour and the ninth hour and did likewise. “About the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’  “They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ “He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’

“So when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the labourers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’  “When they who were hired about the eleventh hour came, they each received a denarius. 10 But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more, but each of them likewise received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us, who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ “But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I will give to this last one even as I give to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’  “So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen.” - Matthew 20:1-16

What benefits one, helps all. Reflection Our society teaches us to be competitive in our schools, sports, etc. Sometimes we forget that in God’s eyes we are all on the same side. What benefits one, helps all. Many people who hear today’s Gospel assume that the people who show up to work later do so because they are lazy. However, our Scriptures do not tell us that. Maybe they could not get to the marketplace earlier because they were dealing with an illness, taking care of a loved one who is sick, or another reason and so by giving them a full day’s wage, he was helping a family in need?

Spend a moment in quiet now. Think about this: God will always reward us no matter when in our lives we begin serving others in the name of Jesus. How can I serve or help someone else today?

Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name; Thy kingdom come We pray together: Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name; Thy kingdom come Thy will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses As we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, The Sign of the Cross In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen