Weekend Mass

Dear Beloved Family of St. Anselm,

The Gospel text for this Sunday might lead us to think that the early laborers—who are paid the same amount as those who work only an hour—are being treated unfairly. Instead, we should rejoice when we see the Lord being merciful to someone else, for it means that we might stand a chance as disciples of Christ.

I. The Availability of Discipleship- Day workers or "day laborers" stood in public places hoping to be hired for the day. It was a particularly burdensome form of poverty due to its uncertainty. Notice, however, that their poverty makes them available. Because their cup is empty, it can be filled. We are these men. When things are going too well, heaven knows where we are to be found! Yes, we might pray for a trouble-free life, but then where would we be? Would we make ourselves available to God? 

II. The Authority of Discipleship -The Landowner said, “Go into my vineyard.” Notice that it is he who calls the shots. Often, as the Lord's disciples, we rush into His vineyard with great ideas and grand projects that we have never really asked God about. Fruitful discipleship is based on a call from the Lord. Scripture says, Unless the Lord builds the House, they that labor to build it labor in vain. (Ps 127:1) We have ideologies we want God to affirm, and the Church to conform to. True discipleship requires the Lord to call us first: "Go into my vineyard." Got a bright idea? Ask God first.

III. The Allotment of Discipleship -We may wonder why God calls some early and others late; it’s none of our business. He calls us at different times. Even those whom He calls early are not always asked to do everything right now. There is a timing to discipleship. Sometimes we have a great idea. “Lord, I'm ready to do it!” But the Lord has a different plan. "Not yet.” 

IV. The Abiding of Discipleship -Notice that the wages are paid in the evening, and in the order determined by the landowner. The lesson is simple: We’ve got to stay in the vineyard. Some people start things but do not finish them. We must work until evening comes. Saying that we cradle Catholics does not suffice. 

V. The Assessment of Discipleship- The workers hired early think of their entrance into the vineyard and its labors as a burden. The vineyard, of course, is really the Kingdom of God. Sometimes we consider faith a burden, thinking that newcomers have all the fun. But consider the laborers hired last. They must have resigned themselves to the fact that they and their families would have little or nothing to eat that night.  In the week ahead, let us remember that being a Christian should not be a burden, but a whole new life from Christ: a life of freedom, victory over sin, joy, and destiny.

Amen.