Memorial of Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church
Matthew 20:1-16
Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise. Going out about five o’clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’ When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage. So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’ He said to one of them in reply, ‘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?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, your magnanimity knows no bounds. Grant that I may know you, so that knowing you I may love you more fully and follow you more faithfully.
Encountering Christ:
- Unique and Personal Magnanimity: When we reflect on God’s attributes as revealed in the parables, we do not always see ourselves as the beneficiaries of such goodness. We can remain on the abstract level in our prayer. God is generous to all, to humanity in general. But to us personally? Absolutely! How many times he has forgiven us, strengthened us, enlightened us! Which worker in the vineyard are we? Have we come early in the day to labor in his vineyard, and so now expect great recompense, or do we labor with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve? Have we come into the vineyard later, procrastinating and reluctant? Or do we now rejoice in his goodness as he rewards us with blessings?
- His Heart, My Heart: God waits for each soul to enter his vineyard with infinite patience. He invites us constantly to participate in his life and his mission. God celebrates each soul who enters. But we can be quick to mete out judgment upon those who have delayed. Let us reflect in this parable on the heart of the Father and pray that we may have a heart like his, one that anticipates with hope the coming of others into the vineyard, and rejoices in the beneficent goods that the Lord desires to pour out on all.
- “The Last Will Be First, and the First Will Be Last”: Jesus desires that we understand this fundamental truth. Humility is the prerequisite to entering into his Kingdom. No matter where we come from, whatever our past, recognizing his welcoming arms and the gift he readily bestows on us wins us a great reward. This is humility: living in the truth of who we are before God and who God is for us. Humility allows us to take first place in his eyes because we acknowledge that we have been received into God’s grace, and that everything is an undeserved gift.
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, pour out your blessing on all whose hearts are hardened: those who refuse to welcome you into their lives, those who say they are Christian but do not live with your generous and merciful heart, and me when I close myself off to rejoicing with you for your bountiful goodness.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will reflect on the attitudes of my heart, trying to see all the blessings you offer me.
Jennifer Ristine is a consecrated woman of Regnum Christi dedicated to spiritual and faith formation through teaching, conferences, writing, and spiritual direction. While serving in Ancient Magdala she wrote Mary Magdalene: Insights from Ancient Magdala and “Nine Days with Mary Magdalene.”
