God’s Generosity

“Are you envious because I am generous?” (Matthew 20:15)

Today’s gospel about the vineyard workers, Matthew 20:1-16, is a reminder that God’s ways are not our ways. Our God is generous beyond human calculations. God will welcome into his kingdom any sinner who repents. The person who commits horrendous sins against others can repent on his death bed and be welcomed into his kingdom just as Mother Teresa, who gave up everything and cared for some of the poorest and sickest in the world; will be welcomed into his kingdom. Remember how compassionate Jesus was to the criminal hanging on the cross next to him? Moments before this man’s death, he encounters Christ. “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. He replied to him, ‘Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’” (Luke 23:42-43)

I am so thankful that God has been so generous with me but sometimes I look around and think, “That isn’t fair!” I am jealous, just as the brother of the prodigal son was jealous because his father slaughtered the fattened calf even though his brother had squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. He served his father all those years and never disobeyed him yet his father never even gave him a young goat to feast on with his friends. (Luke 15:11-32) This selfish way of thinking even enters my mind in regards to my sinfulness. I know that God is forgiving and I tell myself that I can go to confession and my sins will be forgiven once I get finished indulging in my sin; once I am ready to give it up. We should be joyful for every sinner that God welcomes into his vineyard; joyful that we will all receive the promise of salvation no matter when that occurs. But sometimes we can’t help but think that some of us deserve more than others. We put God on the same level as ourselves and he is beyond our comprehension. His love and generosity is beyond our imagination.

“To be invited to work for God, to tend his vineyard, the church and the kingdom, is a grace unmerited. To work there is a privilege that should be joy ̶ to echo the gift-giving generosity of God. Any payment, any reward is not reward at all but additional grace.” (Companion God, p.240)

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your unfailing love. Help me to rejoice with every person who turns to you. Give me the desire and strength to turn away from sin now, not when I am ready to give it up. Forgive me for the sin of presumption and for being envious of your generosity. Help me to not compare my situation to others but to focus on my relationship with you; being thankful for your love and striving to be the person you created me to be. I ask these things through Christ our Lord. Amen.