Being Attuned to the Thoughts of God

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 20, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 55:6–9; Psalm 145:2–3, 8–9, 17–18; Philippians 1:20–24, 27; Matthew 20:1–16

Parable of Workers in the Vineyard 
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/C3rpiyRPl6Q

It is pretty normal for us to think that what we wish must happen to us. Therefore, we might get involved actively in the process of getting those things. However, things might not happen to us as we wish. In fact, there are other factors or elements attached to that which might not allow it to happen. As a result, we might begin to question or have suspicions about those things. This might cause us a lot of disappointment and helplessness. Even though we might decide on many things, there are things which may not be in our control. In this context, we have the beautiful Word of God on this 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, inviting us to delve deeper into the mind of God. As the prophet Isaiah says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts," so too are the ways of God. And still, we can connect with God by realizing the deeper mystery of our own lives. Jesus proposes a parable which completely shatters human logic. Hence, as we reflect over these uneasy facts of life, let's put ourselves into the logic of God. 

1. The Generous God Who Calls Everyone

The Gospel of Matthew 20:1–16 presents us with the beautiful and challenging parable of the workers in the vineyard. Jesus tells us about a landowner who goes out at different times of the day to hire workers. Some begin early in the morning, others at midday, and still others just an hour before the working day ends. At the end of the day, surprisingly, all receive the same wage.

The uneasy fact is that those who worked throughout the day become unhappy. They feel that they deserve more because they have worked longer. Perhaps if the landowner had begun distributing the wages from those who started first would have solved the problem temporarily! Even generosity is put into doubt and suspicion. Equal pay for equal work is the norm today. And yet, we put our own parameters to measure our self-worth. This is where the problem begins.

2. God never stops calling

Often we spend quite a lot of our time comparing ourselves with others. Our approach to life is sometimes distorted. We ask: “How much did I do?” “What did the other person receive?” “Why did he get more recognition than me?” “Why did she receive an opportunity when I have worked harder?” The success of another person does not diminish our own dignity.

The workers who came early were not cheated. They received exactly what had been promised to them. Their unhappiness arose because they compared their reward with what others received. We can become dissatisfied not because we have received too little, but because someone else has received something good. Comparison can rob us of gratitude.

3. God sees a bigger picture than us

God's grace is unlimited and beyond our calculations. His generosity is uncontainable. When God blesses another person, it does not mean that there is less blessing available for us. The landowner picks up people at different hours. God never gives up on anyone. People may overlook us, may simply ignore us because we are pretty capable or may be a threat to others. Our capacities and talents may disturb others because of their timidity, low self-esteem, etc. It's a perennial problem in our Church circles, the corporate world and even in our religious communities and institutions. That's why intelligent and capable people are rarely found in decision-making bodies, as consultants, and even in responsible positions.

Some people discover their vocation early in life. Others find their purpose much later. Many feel that nobody believes in them. Employees whose efforts are never recognized. Elderly people who feel forgotten. Students who struggle because nobody has encouraged them. People who have failed and therefore believe they have no future. The Gospel reminds us that God sees those whom others overlook. Human beings may judge us by our achievements, qualifications, wealth, status or past mistakes. God looks at us differently. He sees our dignity, our potential and our willingness to respond.

Questions for self-reflection

1. Do I compare my blessings, achievements, or recognition with those of others?
2. Do I recognize that everything I have ultimately comes from God’s generosity and grace?
3. Am I grateful for what God has given me, or am I constantly focusing on what I do not have?

Prayer

Loving God, thank you for your generous grace and for calling each of us into your vineyard. Free our hearts from envy and comparison, and teach us to be grateful for our blessings and joyful in the blessings of others. Help us to trust in your ways, serve others with love, and respond faithfully whenever you call us. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ

E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net

Blog: Celebrate Faith

Video: YouTube

Posted on 18 September 2026

Let us be Gentle and Nice Always

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 13, 2026

Readings: Sirach 27:30–28:7; Psalm 103:1–4, 9–12; Romans 14:7–9; Matthew 18:21–35

Jan van Hemessen, The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

Sometimes, you feel that the wickedness in the human person is so powerful that there is little chance for kindness, mercy and compassion in one's heart. The man-made tragedies and heinous crimes committed by fellow human beings are so many; it seems there is no end to it. The cycle of wickedness continues to thrive and emerge in different forms. The lessons are learnt, the experiences have strengthened, and yet nothing seems to be moving us. As we delve deeper into the liturgical readings on this 24th Sunday, we are moved with compassion and pity by the Scripture. They poignantly bring out the human tragedies, and yet God is there to encourage us to follow the right path.

1. Forgiveness starts with small acts

The Gospel today Matthew 18:21–35 takes us into the very heart of Christian discipleship: forgiveness. Jesus is not simply asking us to forgive occasionally. He is inviting us to become people whose lives are shaped by mercy. Jesus gives a beautiful parable in order to make his disciples understand the magnanimity of the sense of forgiveness.  A servant who owed an enormous debt was forgiven by the master because he pleaded for mercy. 

Called to Love and Forgive

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 06, 2026

Readings: Ezekiel 33:7–9; Psalm 95:1–2, 6–9; Romans 13:8–10; Matthew 18:15–20

Prophet Ezekiel by Michelangelo
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: 
https://youtu.be/V6VVwjID8wI

What often seems to be simple and easy becomes difficult and complicated. Our mind then takes a 360-degree turn to come back to our senses. We must simply do what we can without hurting others. There are no principles or particular mantras to put things in order. The only guiding principle is just do what you are supposed to do. There is no point in brooding over things and making unnecessary calculations and living in an imaginative world. The liturgical readings on this 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time are simple, straight, radical and clear. Moreover, they give us a responsibility to shoulder in the everyday of our lives: to love and forgive. Jesus invites us to become bridge-builders rather than wall-builders, healers rather than judges, and instruments of reconciliation rather than agents of division.

1. Correct with Love and the Courage to Reconcile

Today’s Gospel, Matthew 18:15–20 speaks about a difficult but essential aspect of Christian life: how to deal with sin, conflict, and broken relationships within the community. Jesus does not ask us to ignore wrongdoing, gossip about others, or immediately condemn them. Instead, he gives us a path towards truth, reconciliation, and restored communion. Jesus says: “If your brother or sister sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone.”