They said, “While we put up a
whole day’s work in the hot sun – yet you paid them the same as you paid us!”
(Mt 19: 25)
Meditation: While
explaining the parable, Jesus must have laughed at those who murmured against
the landlord. Whether you like it or not, I feel it. Today I am reflecting on
the same theme. Why did Jesus laugh at them? For I think that Jesus might have
thought of his mission, for a while, that his father has entrusted him to be
completed in the world. St. Paul says, “He always had the nature of God, but he
did not think that by force he should try to become equal with God. Instead of
this, of his own free will he gave up all he had, and took the nature of a
servant.” (Phil 2:6, 7) The letter to the Hebrews says, “We have a high priest
who was tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin.” (Heb 4:15) In order
to save mankind, God has made himself equal to man, - “the eternal word has
become flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn 1:14) - but here we find the worker who
came on agreement feels unsatisfied for he was made equal to his fellow worker.
That is why I was forced to think that Jesus might have laughed at them. There
are some indications already given by Jesus that in the kingdom of heaven there
are no gradations. All are equal there. If we review ourselves in a right
manner we will also find that we are not better than these people. What is our
attitude toward other people, especially to those who received special graces
from God? They may be illiterate, poor, newly baptized or converted. Do you
hear the same murmuring somewhere around you now? – “Yet you paid them the same
as you paid us.” Then, surely you will hear once again Jesus laughing at…..
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank you and praise
you for your daily eternal bread. Whenever and wherever we go selfish and
jealous, O Lord, guide us and correct us. Give us the courage to understand the
compassionate and the merciful love you have toward each and every one of us.
You have come to this world and gave up your life on the cross so that we all
may be raised up to the level of the children of God without any distinction.
Therefore, help us to lead a life of thanksgiving and fraternal sharing.
Amen!
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