By Vimal Kumar A, CSC –
Readings: Jdg 9:6-15; Mt 20:1-16
“Waves of the sea never cease.” Likewise God never ceases to call his people to share his love and compassion equally. He is very generous and kind to everyone. Today’s readings emphasize the theme: Justice in account of Freedom of Choice.
The first reading narrates the kingship among the people of Shechem in a metaphorical way. However, Jotham brings out the wrong decisions made to elect Abimelech as their king and further he stresses the causes for their immoral actions. In Gospel, The parable of the landowner who pays the same agreed wage to the first and the last, brings out the Justice and equality in the perspective of God. In ordinary sense, payment of equal wages to the first and last seems to puzzle the readers and gives an impression that the landowner acted with injustice. However in the following verses it clearly emphasizes that the landowner is not unjust to the first in paying them wages on agreed basis and the other side he is generous and kind to pay the same wages to the last.
The readings insist me that I’m responsible for the choices that I make in my life. It may be success or failure but I should not feel envious about the success of someone else. However, in the view of God, there is always equality and justice. He treats equally and rewards generously both righteous and the sinners who repent no matter the circumstances.