This parable makes us focus on injustice. But there is something else to pay attention to.
What is the most disappointing parable of all of our Lord's parables? Isn't it a parable about hired vineyard workers at the end of the day? We find it frustrating because workers who work just one hour are paid the same wages as those who toil all day. This causes us to focus our attention on injustice.
But isn't there something more interesting/convincing in the parable that we should pay attention to?
The most frustrating of all our Lord's parables is the one about the vineyard workers hired at the end of the day. Why? Because some of the vineyard workers only work for one hour, and the vineyard owner pays them the same wages as those who toiled all day. Some of them grumble:
"It's so unfair, so unfair."
I myself often wonder what would happen if I were in the place of the workers who worked only one hour? I wonder if I would complain when I unfairly get this full day's wages. The matter is one-sided. I only complain if I feel cheated in some way. However, Jesus wants to show us that there is mercy at work in our lives, which is stronger than the justice to which we are so attached, and he wants us to love it, like it and trust it.
Instead of grumbling against the vineyard owner, as the vineyard workers who work all day do, how about walking up to the farmer and saying: I see how generous you are. Maybe you could help me too? I have a child who goes to university. Tuition payment is a problem. I don't know if I can pay the rent. My wife is sick and the bills keep piling up. I need help and I don't really know where else to turn. Can you help me? What would this generous man do? He would be more than happy to write you a check because that's the kind of person he is. He likes to share what he has with those who need it most. That's why he gives so much to those who only work for an hour.
So on this day, all cloudy, dark thoughts must be swept aside and we must look to the mercy that comes to love us and allow Him to give us a love that surpasses all our requests or imaginations.
Author: Fr. Peter John Cameron, OP
Translated by: Dr. Fedineczné Katalin Vittay
Source: Aleteia /zarandok.ma
Featured image: MTI / János Vajda
