Labourers Logic is Unreasonable

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 20th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 20:1-16*

*First Reading : Ez 34:1-11*

*Labourers Logic is Unreasonable*

*1) They agreed for days wage*

When the land owner hired the labourers, he fixed a reasonable wage for the day 

The labourers agreed for the days wage and then they went for work 

So there isn't any dispute with regard to the days wage 

*2) Labourers didn't complain about the less payment*

When they came to collect the days wage, they received the amount as they agreed upon 

They exactly got the amount for which they had agreed. So there isn't any injustice done to the labourers. 

Neither any of the labourer is complaining about the less amount of payment 

Since no one was paid less, there is no room for dispute 

*3) What is the real dispute*

There is no dispute that they are paid less. In fact they had been given the days wage for which they had worked. 

The labourers had problem here *These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us*

Making equal to them in spite of the less amount of work was the real challenge to the labourers, which they could not accept 

In other words, the labourers failed to see the goodness and greatness of the landowner, for being generous towards the last ones 

The labourers saw only that, which benefited their selfish interest and not the wellbeing of the other 

*4) Landowner was over generous*

From the passage its very clear that the Landowner was over generous. 

He could have given less amount to the last workers. But he gave them more than what they deserve 

Here we see the over generosity of the owner and not the injustice. 

*5) Gentle reminder for us to become generous like the landowner*

Today's parable calls us to practice the generosity of the landowner

It is a real challenge to treat every one in a equal way. But the landowner did it. For him all were important

The landowner didn't see the hours of work, but saw their personality. 

What do we see in others? 

Hours of work 

Usefulness

Productivity

Only monitory gains? 

Or a genuine and sincere person, who can inspire me to become more effective

Am I ready??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*