Seek the Lord while he is to be found
Isaiah 55:6-9
Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a
Matthew 20:1-16a
God’s ways are not our ways. As far as heaven is from earth, so far are God’s ways from human ways. This statement which we hear in today’s first reading, is illustrated in the gospel. From the human point of view, the workers who were employed at the beginning of the day had a reason to complain, when those who came at the last hour were paid as much as them. Yet this is only the human, self-centered way, which regards personal advantage rather than rejoice in the good given to others.
God in his goodness and mercy, gives an opportunity to everyone. Before God it is never too late to begin, as long as we live on earth. That is why God urges us through Isaiah: “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call him while he is near. Let the scoundrel forsake his way, and the wicked his thoughts; let him turn to the Lord for mercy…” in spite of our weaknesses, in spite of the many times we have tried and failed, we can always make a start from right now, and God will accept us back. Fear and remorse should never hold us from the welcoming love of God.
If at times we feel a sense of entitlement to God’s reward on account of our faithfulness, if we feel that it is not fair that hardened sinners should have equal chances with those who have labored all their life in the service of God, this is an indication that we are stuck in our ways and are far from God’s ways. We are like the elder son who would not join his father in rejoicing over the return of his brother (Luke 15:11-32). We are like the Pharisee who prayed to himself and went home not justified before God (Luke 18:9-14). The sense of entitlement is an indication of failure to keep the first commandment of love of God, for to love God is to love what God loves, and God loves the conversion of sinners.
St. Paul is an epitome of the truly righteous who rejoices in the salvation of sinners and does all in his power to bring them closer to God. That is why he says: “I long to depart this life and be with Christ, for that is far better. Yet that I remain in the flesh is more important for your benefit. True workers in the vineyard of the Lord are either those who hearken to God’s inviting mercy and turn from their ways to embrace his will, or those who in addition strive for the salvation of others.
