The hard work and the greatness of the Landowner

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 20th Week - Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 20:1-16*

*First Reading - Jgs 9:6-15*

*The hard work and the greatness of the Landowner*

*1) The Landowner was a hardworking man*

There are numerous details in today's Gospel to show that the Landowner was very hardworking man 

*A) He went out at dawn*

Getting up early in the morning and beginning the work, when it was still dark is one of the great signs of hardwork. 

The very fact, the landowner went out at dawn means, he got up early in the morning, got himself ready and then he went out for his work 

This is really the sign of hard work 

*B) Five times he went out*

Early in the morning, at 9am, at 12 noon, at 3pm, and at 5pm. 

Going five times in search of the workers also shows how much he taking trouble to accomplish his work. 

This is also one of the signs of hardwork. 

*C) Determination in doing the work*

The Gospel gives the sequence of the events only for one day 

The same events may be taking place very often. Since landowner needs to workers to work in his garden, the landowner have to get the workers now and then 

Doing this work for one is fine. But to do the same work, very often needs great determination. This also the sign of hardwork of the landowner

*2) The Trust of the Landowner in the Workers*

After appointing the workers he tells them to go and work in his vineyard. 

There are no details that the owner went and checked their work, or the Quality of the work. 

It also shows that the landowner completely trusted them and in their ability 

This is also important to carry out ones work in an effective way 

*3) The Patience of the Landowner*

Going five times in search of the workers also shows the patience of the landowner

His patience was great, because he didn't get angry and he was also not irritated. 

This shows once again the great patience of the landowner

*4) The concern of the Landowner*

We must appreciate the concern of the landowner towards the labourers. 

He gathered many workers, not only from the perspectives of making profit or getting his work done by them, but in order to help the workers and to support them 

This point is very clear from the last appointment of the workers at 5pm and the amount of salary given to them 

*5) The generosity of the Landowner*

He paid equal amount to all the workers. By doing so he was very generous towards those who came at 5 pm 

They didn't deserve full amount, but he gave them full 

This shows that he was very generous

*6) He never cheated any one*

Even though towards the end of the parable one of the workers trying to argue with him about the inequality of the amount distributed to them, the landowner clearly shows that he has not cheated anyone, but on the contrary he was extra generous towards them

Generosity is one of the great qualities of a great leader 

*7) He intelligently solves the Problem*

This is a great landowner, who sloves the problem without much difficulty

The worker who argued with him had no explanation, when he was challenged and given explanation by the landowner

When the landowner is sincere and firm nobody can do nothing 

*8) How about my life?*

What are the qualities of the landowner I posses? 

Am I generous person like the landowner? 

Am I a hardworking person like the landowner?/

How about the sincerity, commitment and compassion towards the needy people?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*