So the last will be first, and the first will be last

26Jun
‘For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. After agreeing with the labourers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the market-place; and he said to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.” So they went. When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, “Why are you standing here idle all day?” They said to him, “Because no one has hired us.” He said to them, “You also go into the vineyard.” When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, “Call the labourers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.” When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, saying, “These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.” But he replied to one of them, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?” So the last will be first, and the first will be last.’
-Matthew 20:1-16



Fairness is a big deal. We are all scanning for it, hoping for it, and noticing when it isn't there. In Bobby Hadzor's excellent sermon on Job this past Sunday he took a look at the Wisdom books and what they have to say about it. (You can hear the sermon in today's Connects).


Many people with whom I've been in Bible study read this passage searching for what is fair. But I don't think this is about fairness. It's about generosity.


We humans often have a comparing mind. Many of us - myself included - have been labeled a "J" for judging on the Myers-Briggs personality test. I was once advised by my spiritual director to practice a non-judgmental curiosity instead of comparing. I wasn't sure I truly understood, but thought - ok, I'm going to try!


After my morning meditation I was walking to Trinity. Just a few blocks from my home I saw a man riding a bicycle, going the wrong way, with no helmet and two dogs on leashes. My internal voice began - "Look at that. That's dangerous. It isn't fair to those poor dogs. And what if he gets hit by a car! No helmet!" Though I wanted to, I didn't say anything to the man, and then I stopped in my tracks and laughed out loud. My comparing and judging mind had crept in - before I even made the six block walk to the church!


Sometimes, it is right for us to speak up. And sometimes, it is right to stop, laugh at ourselves, and recognize that the judging work is God's alone. Our work is to follow. And fortunately, our Creator is more generous than we can ask or imagine.


Musical Reflection - In the Fields of the Lord - The Porter's Gate

Generous Creator, help me to remember that the world does not need my judgment as much as it needs my curious mind, my open heart and my loving gaze. Amen.

Gospel

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