The parable of the landowner who gives the same wage to those who worked for an hour as he gave to those who worked all day is meant to disturb us. It is revolutionary to see this kind of "equality" coming from the hands of God. Why not pay according to the "merit" of time spent in the fields? Yet, Jesus shows us that this is not God's way. It is difficult and challenging for us to shift to his approach. "Justice", it would seem, would be to pay at least by the hour, but no...the landowner's agreement was to "give what is just." His justice, it turns out, is not what the workers, especially the first-hired, think is just; we, most likely, stand with them. But the landowner confronts their objection with his reasons which are not theirs: it's his money; he can use it as he pleases; then the zinger: "Are you jealous because I am generous?" (Mt 20: 16a) Ah, "there's the rub" Jealousy. Jesus is leading us away from thinking sand comparing according to our standards, to accepting according to HIS standards: a lavish love that is beyond our comprehension; that includes ALL and sets no limits. It is a call to imitate that love, to work toward giving our love to ALL...even to our enemies.
Bro. Rene
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