THE WAYS OF GOD ARE DIFFERENT FROM OUR WAYS

 

Homily for the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, Isch

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 55:6-9, Philippians 1:20-24, 27, Matthew 20:1-16

 

In the gospel reading of this 25^th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are presented with one of the most profound parables of Jesus, the “Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard” (Matthew 20:1-16). This parable reveals to us the boundless generosity of God’s kingdom and challenges our preconceived notions of fairness, reward, and grace.

In the parable, we see a landowner who repeatedly goes out to hire laborers for his vineyard throughout the day. The landowner represents God and the vineyard symbolizes God’s kingdom. The action of the landowner symbolizes God’s continuous and generous invitation to each one of us, no matter where we are on our life’s journey. It is a reminder that God’s grace is not limited by our timing or circumstances. God’s invitation is extended to all, regardless of when we choose to respond.

As the laborers receive their wages, we witness a surprising and radical act of generosity. Those who labored for only one hour are paid a full day’s wage, just as those who toiled in the heat of the day. Isn’t this a clear example of unfairness and injustice? Not really! The parable comes to challenge our human understanding of fairness and justice. The action of the landowner illustrates a fundamental truth about God’s kingdom: his grace is unmerited and abundant. None of us can earn or deserve it. It is a gift freely given, not based on our works or efforts.

The laborers who worked longer hours expected more and felt aggrieved when they received the same wage as those who worked less. We often fall into a similar mindset, thinking that our efforts should determine our reward. However, God’s ways are not our ways. His justice is rooted in love and mercy, not in our calculations. The complaint of those who worked longer hours also highlights the human tendency to compare ourselves to others and to measure our growth and success from the prism of others’ success.

Instead of rejoicing in their own wage, the first laborers were focused on what others received. This can lead to envy and a sense of entitlement. That is why another thing that this parable reminds us of is the importance of gratitude and humility. God calls us to be thankful for the blessings we receive, recognizing that his grace is a gift beyond measure. When we approach him with humility, we open ourselves to the fullness of his love and generosity.

Lastly, the prophet Isaiah reminds us in the reading that God’s ways are different from our ways. Let us also remember that God’s kingdom operates by different principles than the world’s principles. His kingdom is a kingdom of grace, where the last can be first, and the first can be last (Matthew 20:16). It is a kingdom where God’s generosity knows no bounds. It challenges us to look beyond our own expectations and embrace the boundless love of our heavenly Father. In our journey of faith, may we respond to God’s invitation with open hearts, realizing that his grace is a treasure beyond compare. Let us cultivate gratitude and humility, recognizing that we are recipients of a love that exceeds our understanding.