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Gospel Reading for September 20, 2026 – Matthew 20: 1-16a
GRATEFUL
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, the landowner 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, the landowner 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.”
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In the Gospel reading, no injustice was done to anyone, so there was no reason to complain. What we see instead is the generosity of the landowner. It was his prerogative to give more if he so desired. He did not give less to those who were hired first because they had already agreed on their wages, and the landowner faithfully honored that agreement.
In God’s Kingdom, it is God’s prerogative to be generous to whomever he chooses. We cannot impose on him our own way of measuring merit because his wisdom is infinite. He surely knows what he is doing and why he is doing it.
The real problem begins when we compare the gifts we have received with those given to others, or when we develop a sense of entitlement. We end up failing to see the blessings we ourselves have received. Instead of being GRATEFUL, we allow envy to grow within us.
If we truly want to be happy in life, we need to develop the right attitudes and habits. Being GRATEFUL is one of the best habits we can cultivate. Unlike envy, gratitude shifts our focus away from ourselves and inspires us to share our blessings with those who have less.
Lord Jesus, may we always be GRATEFUL for all the blessings we receive each day, whether big or small. Amen.
