Infinite Generosity

This weekends readings challenge us in accepting generosity that knows no bounds. Being in the flesh, as Paul reminds us, brings about its own challenges, especially when one anticipates the glory of life in the spirit. Our existence in the flesh means points out the finite nature of life. Our minds have limits and so does our generosity.

The first workers in the gospel are upset for many reasons, one being that they perceived the landowner being "unfair". All of us have complained about someone or something being "unfair". It is our reaction to an injustice. However, no injustice was present in the parable. We simply cannot wrap our minds around such generosity.

There are other interesting aspects to this parable. From my perspective as a Vocation Director, the most edifying part of the story is that the Landowner was always able to find more workers willing to work. Many seem frustrated today that there are fewer workers in the field. However, if we accept that God truly does the calling, people will answer positively.

When we do answer positively to that call to work, God will be generous. Another key point of the story is that there is now dispute about the workers actually working. Other parables deal with workers not working when the Master arrives. In this story, all the workers work. This again is an encouraging sign. In our human weakness we can often feel as though we are incapable of the work to which God has called us. This parable seems to remind us that when we do the work of the Landowner in good faith, we cannot fail.