25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A 24th September 2023.
Lectionary Readings:
Jonah 3 v10-4 v11; Psalm 105 v1-6, 37-45; Philippians 1 v21-30; Matthew 20 v1-16.
Just to turn things on their head, I am starting with some questions for you to ponder:-
- Who, like Jonah, are you reluctant to forgive?
- Are you inclined to be ‘trade union’ minded in response to the vineyard workers grievance, or do you agree with the right of the vineyard owner to do what he wants with his own money?
- Do you think that many workers would be seeking work before 5pm the next day? What does that say about human nature?
- Is the vineyard parable about worker exploitation or about undeserved kindness?
The Nature of Love
Love is only true to itself when it is generous. Or you could say, God is only true to himself when he is generous.
Just as we noted last week, God has no reluctance when it comes to forgiving us, so we learn this week that God has no reluctance when it comes to showing us his love.
Jonah confesses in his prayer, that he knew that God would forgive the people of Nineveh if they turned away from their sinful behaviour. (see Jonah 4 v1).
Jonah had wanted God to punish the people of Nineveh (the Assyrians) for destroying the northern tribes of Israel.
But, as Jonah notes, God is a kind and merciful God, and very, very patient. Always ready to show love. (see Jonah 4 v11).
Which is just as well for humankind.
It may not have seemed fair to Jonah, but God’s plan for humankind is so much bigger, richer and more fulfilling than Jonah (or we) can imagine or appreciate.
The same generosity of spirit is shown by the vineyard owner in the parable that Jesus told.
The lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin, and no one to be lost. (2 Peter 3 v9).
God wants us all, (every last one of us), to be gathered into his kingdom. God is and will remain patient until we turn to him for admission. He is waiting with open arms to welcome us in; no matter how late in the day that may be.
Bible quotations taken from the Contemporary English Version.