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
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| Parable of Workers in the Vineyard |
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
- Do I compare my blessings, achievements, or recognition with those of others?
- Do I recognize that everything I have ultimately comes from God’s generosity and grace?
- 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
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