The argument and Logic of the Labourer who came first

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 20th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 20:1-16*

*First Reading : Jgs 9:6-15*

*The argument and Logic of the Labourer who came first*

*1) All labourers got equal wage*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the Labourers who came to work in different times 

Some came at dawn, some at 9, some at 12, some at 3 and some at 5

All these labourers were invited by the landowner, to work in his vineyard

After doing the days work, all got the equal days wage. There wasn't any difference

*2) Day's wage was fixed only to the first Group*

It is clear from the Gospel that, the day's wage was fixed only to the first group which came in the morning

All those who joined later, to those master had told that  *You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’*

So master speaks about just wage but not the day's wage 

From this, it is very clear that the just wage is less than the day's wage since the hours of work differs accordingly 

*3) The first group of labourers didn't tell that they have been given less*

From the grumbling of the labourers, it is very clear that they never said that they have been given less

In fact master has given what was agreed upon as the day's wage

So master has not failed in giving the days wage. He has given the day's wage to these labourers

The labourers also clear that they have been given the day's wage perfectly, that is why they didn't tell that they have been given less 

*4) The problem of the first group of labourers*

The first argument : *Last ones have worked for only one hour*

Second argument *you have made them equal to us,* 

Third argument *We have faced the entire days  burden and the heat.*

No where they argue that they have been given less

Thier argument is *others got more*

*5) If others get more, what is your problem*

You have not been given less. You have been given what was agreed upon. 

Others got more. Be happy that others also got more. What is the need of feeling jealousy about others getting more? 

What do you benefit by being jealous about others goodness? 

*6) The first group of labourers lost their reputation without any reason*

From the parable it is very clear that the first group of labourers lost their good reputation with master

There is no guarantee that they will be called tomorrow for the Work

The jealousy of this group made them to lose everything, their name, their reputation, their work and the peace of mind

*7) Dangerous mentality*

The mentality of the first group is very dangerous

Since it is founded on jealousy about others wellbeing and about master's generosity, it destroyes the person who fosters the jealousy

Either to the Master or to the other group of labourers, the reaction of the first group does not effect in any way 

Only the jealous group is affected very badly. So it is a dangerous mentality

Do I feel jealous when I see some one's attitude of generosity? 

Do I feel jealous when I see my neighbors growth? 

Am I frightened of considering some one as my equal?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*