The readings of today call us to repentance and trust in the overwhelming grace and mercy of God. Isaiah reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways nor are God’s thoughts our thoughts. If we want to experience God’s abundant mercy and love we should be ready to turn to him from the very depth of our being. Some of the ideas that immediately preceded today’s passage tell us that God’s saving grace is a gratuitous gift and it cannot be bought.
The gospel story of the freedom of the owner of the vineyard to do with his wealth whatever he pleases reminds of God’s free will to go beyond any ordinary agreement and be generous beyond any common expectations. The master of the vineyard has the freedom to distribute his wealth generously to whomever he wishes. According to the parable, it matters little what we do or how much we deserve, all that counts is the love we have manifested in accomplishing what we have been entrusted with. It is important to note that the workers do not ask for job but it is the owner of the vineyard who goes out looking for workers and orders them to go and work in the vineyard.
What counts in the eyes of the Lord, the judge of heaven and earth, is doing the will of God with love and dedication even if it is only for a single hour. We should keep in mind that he has the authority to make the last first and first last. Fr Paul Materu