22 August 2018 - the joy of the work

Today's Readings (Audio)

'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.'

Jesus invites us into his vineyard. It is meant to be a privilege.

My friend, I am not cheating you.
Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?

Our work in the vineyard is not ultimately about the pay. It is about the intrinsic value of building the Kingdom. The LORD pays us what we need, not what we deserve. Our work for God earns us nothing. But he is generous and still gives us enough to meet our needs. This means we can't compare our blessings with those of others.

'These last ones worked only one hour,
and you have made them equal to us,
who bore the day's burden and the heat.'

If we compare we will always find cases that make it seem like we aren't getting enough. The important thing is to trust in God regarding what we ourselves receive from him while still helping others to get what they need. It's tricky. When we start actually trying to bless others and we see them blessed we may feel a lack ourselves. But this is because our focus has become internal and we are comparing ourselves with others. Rather, we must learn the generosity of the one who sends us into the vineyard. We can take joy in giving purpose to the idle and true riches to those who still only know worldly wealth.

We are called to learn the compassion for sheep like that of the good shepherd. We can see how he might not choose to allow us to help, just to ensure it is done rightly. In fact, it is done wrongly so often, so obviously, and so grievously, that we might wonder if he is making the right choice.

You did not strengthen the weak nor heal the sick
nor bind up the injured.
You did not bring back the strayed nor seek the lost,
but you lorded it over them harshly and brutally.
So they were scattered for the lack of a shepherd,
and became food for all the wild beasts.

In the Kingdom God wants everyone to experience the green pastures and tranquil waters of his care. He wants everyone gathered around his table. He wants his sheep to have this same heart for one another that he has for us.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.

Let us pray that we receive a heart for the sheep so that the LORD can, to mix metaphors, permit us to remain in his vineyard. If he takes matters into his own hands it will only be because we have not allowed him to love through us enough. But it is still reassuring to know he won't let anything come between him and his sheep.

For thus says the Lord GOD: 
I myself will look after and tend my sheep.