THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Wednesday of 20^th Week in Ordinary time, 2022

Ezk. 34:1-11

Ps 23

Matt 20:1-16

You go into the vineyard...

Dear friends in Christ, there are too many people today who stand idle daily because they have no one to employ them. Some do not want to work, no matter what offer you make to them, out of laziness. There are however many more, who just cannot find anything to do. They are sometimes willing to stoop low, just to have something to make ends meet. On the other hand, some are employed but are either not serious with the job or are unable to fit in and so become a problem to the organization.

Our gospel passage of today (Matthew 20:1-16) is the parable of the landowner whom Jesus used to describe what the kingdom of heaven looks like. It is the story of a generous farmer, who went out and employed some workers at the dawn of the day for his vineyard, with an agreement on a normal day's wage, a denarius each. Unfortunately, at other hours of the day he met some other people who were willing to work but had no one to employ them and so sent them to his vineyard, even at the very final hour of the working day. At the close of work, he paid everyone a denarius each starting from those who came last. He says he did this out of generosity, though those who came early thought they should have received more. This is not a usual business practice. Those who did just a few hours could have been paid just for the hours they did. This parable concerns the kingdom of God and not a business. God's promise to us all is that of eternal life if we do our bit here on earth. It has nothing to do with how many years we have been Christians--some are newcomers, who will be first in the kingdom. To make sure we are not left out, we cannot stop doing what we have to do because once the hand is on the plow, no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom.

The first reading (Ezekiel 34:1-11) is an indictment on those who were employed to care for the Lord's flock but failed in their duties. The Lord promised to sack them and punish them for their failures. “Oh Shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the sheep... and with force and harshness, you have ruled them. So they were scattered... Behold, I am against the shepherds... I keep... “As shepherds of our families and communities, we need God's mercy, for the times we have failed to do his will. There's always the chance to repent and return to the right path, knowing that God is kind and merciful; but that cannot be taken for granted. A priest or religious who fails to live up to the vows made to God; parents who fail in their duties towards their children; politicians who fail to fulfill their promises to the electorate and anyone in a position of authority who fails to do what is required of the position he occupies, may have himself to blame. As in the case of Judas, “His position let another take.”

Let us pray: Lord, do not count our imperfections against us. Give us the courage to be good shepherds and do our part in your vineyard. Amen.

+Reman blessed