"Are you envious because I am generous?"

This Sunday we hear one of the harder Gospel readings to take to heart: the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. It begins with a landowner seeking workers for his vineyard, and who goes back throughout the day and continually hires more workers, even up to one hour before the day comes to an end. At the end of the day, as he pays the workers, the ones that worked the full day expected to be paid more... and yet, each worker is paid the same. As expected, the ones that worked more are upset, but then the landowner reminds them: "My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?"

It is this last question, "Are you envious because I am generous?", that speaks something important for us to hear. For it is all too easy, in the midst of our societal expectations and norms, for us to expect God to behave like a modern American would. But God is not bound by the laws and expectations of 21st century America. He tells us through the Prophet Isaiah, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways." And so, when others around us experience blessings or good things, the temptation in our hearts is to ask: "Why not me? I have been good and kind and loving! I thought God loved everyone, and yet they seem to always get more than me.” However... we do not fully know other's situations. We do not know what God has in store for them or for ourselves. All we know is this: that God does indeed love us. That God desires our salvation. That "The LORD is just in all his ways and holy in all his works", as this week's Psalm reminds us.

So, perhaps our prayer this week can be this: that our hearts grow in their ability to love as God loves and to trust in God's goodness, even if we cannot see it in our own lives. May we grow in our ability to have joy in the successes and blessings that others receive. And may we trust that God's love extends to us as well, even if we are not experiencing it in the way we may desire in the present moment.

Want to prepare your heart and mind for Mass this weekend? Click here to find the readings for this Sunday's Mass.