9/2/1/14 - Gospel Reading: Luke 20: 1-6 Meditation: What can work and wages, welfare and the unemployed tell us about the kingdom of God? In the parable of the laborers in the vineyard we see the extraordinary generosity and compassion of God. There is great tragedy in unemployment, the loss of work, and the inability to earn enough to live and support oneself or ones family. In Jesus times laborers had to wait each day in the marketplace until someone hired them for a days job. No work that day usually meant no food on the family table. The laborers who worked all day and received their payment complain that the master pays the late afternoon laborers the same wage. The master, undoubtedly, hired them in the late afternoon so they wouldnt go home payless and hungry. God is generous in opening the doors of his kingdom to all who will enter, both those who have labored a life-time for him and those who come at the last hour. While the reward is the same, the motive for ones labor can make all the difference. Some work only for reward. They will only put as much effort in as they think they will get back. Others labor out of love and joy for the opportunity to work and to serve others. The Lord calls his disciples to serve God and neighbor - his heavenly kingdom and our earthly community - with generosity and joy. Do you perform your work and responsibilities with cheerfulness and diligence for the Lords sake? And do you give generously to others, especially to those in need of your care and support? Lord Jesus, may I serve you and my neighbor with a glad and generous heart, not looking for how much I can get but rather looking for how much I can give.
Posted on: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 03:55:49 +0000
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