Walking with Jesus: 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Sunday, September 24, 2023

Isaiah 55:6-9; Philippians 1:20-24, 27; Matthew 20:1-16

What is our vision of God?  Mine has been formed over the years through scriptures, reading, studying, sharing in prayer groups, teaching, and so very often in people sharing their faith stories and their relationships with God. Then the question becomes: What is my relationship with God, right now? I can say I feel close to God. A more accurate question is, am I aware of God’s presence as I journey through my life? Is the relationship firm … steady … iffy … confused … not knowing where God is? All of the above at different times, and I am not in control of what knocks me off kilter. Life happening when I have other plans is a given.

In our memory banks, grade school recess and high school gym can be times of dread, especially when we’re standing on the sidelines waiting to be chosen for whatever team or event is forming. Being chosen brings a feeling of specialness and importance. Not being selected weighs heavily on self-image. It takes love and consolation from parents to bring us back to feeling good, yet an element of “not being chosen” … not being “good enough” ... hovers on the sidelines of our memories. Why is this important for us today? In today's gospel, people are sitting around all day to be hired for a job that is urgently important for the money-winner. The self-image of those left behind is shattered with each rejection. But all are chosen … and then comes their pay. At the end of the day they cry out, “It’s not fair! Why are we all paid equally? I worked harder than the others … in the heat of the day.” And that doesn’t sit well with us … doesn’t seem right … doesn’t seem well. The bottom line is that this is one of those Bible stories where the majority of us probably only see ourselves as one of the characters. Who am I in the story? We are only one group in the story, but it may not be the group we want to be in. Yet there is work to be done ... and this is the overall meaning of the parable. The landowner is searching for workers again and again who are willing to work. Who is this landowner? If we read the parable carefully, the landowner isn’t really a person. The landowner is the kingdom. The kingdom of heaven, Jesus says, is like a landowner. The kingdom seeks the willing again and again and puts them to work. We may be continually overlooked for hiring or leadership while there is much to do in hospitals, war zones, churches, among the poor, and in every area of unrest and injustice. We who have been given much are to give where we can out of our abundance, because God’s kingdom is generous and loving. It’s not time for grumbling but for living the love God gives us each day.

Our first reading from Isaiah concludes with a formidable image of God. Five times we hear the words thoughts and ways. God gets precise in distinguishing between His plans and our plans. We know God is in charge, but even in Isaiah’s day, the people want to influence God to side with them. There is a sense of awe and that God is in charge. Yet we still see the underlying, intimate image of God along with His mercy. How do we get in touch with God? The opening line sets the tone: “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call Him while He is near.” [Isaiah 55:6]

For the next three weekends we will hear from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. He is in prison and writing to the first church he established in Europe. There seems to be a history of competition between preachers. Paul says, “What difference does it make … aren’t we talking about Christ Jesus?” They are arguing, but here's what's important: “Are you conducting yourselves in a way worthy of the gospel of Christ?” [Philippians 1:27]

Jesus is addressing a parable to His disciples. It is very interesting to see that right before this passage, a rich young man has come to Jesus and asked, “What good must I do to gain eternal life?” [Matthew 19:16] Jesus tells him to keep the commandments. The man says he has been doing so all his life, is there anything else he can do? “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” [Matthew 19:21] How does this fit in with the gospel? Perhaps the first laborers hired could resemble the self-righteous … those who feel important within their church or faith group. God has plans for all, so we see that the last can be first. God’s kingdom is for all. And we should rejoice in a God who doesn’t give us what we deserve. God constantly showers good times upon each of us — not because we have earned them, but because of who God is: our God of infinite mercy, compassion, care, forgiveness and love. His love never comes up short. So what am I worth? What are we worth? More importantly, what are we worth to God? We are worth everything to God. His cross shows us that. Now how do we respond to God? By being His givers of love, mercy, compassion, care for the needy, and forgiveness.

So I reflect on:

• Remember a time when I was in charge of choosing for a party, team, activity, etc.: What was my criteria in choosing? Was anyone left out? Why? Did I choose someone who was habitually left out?
• Where in my life do I need God’s generosity and healing?

Sacred Space 2023 states:

“Lord, You console me with this story, about Your call going out to people at different stages of the day, that is, of their lives. You can always surprise me, both with Your challenge to youth, middle age or old age, and with Your rewards. Your ways are so far above my ways that I cannot grasp the whole pattern. I can simply be grateful that You have said to me now: ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ Please keep Me on Your payroll.”