Wednesday August 18, 2021 - Twentieth week of Ordinary Time - It is alive, the word of God; she judges the intentions and thoughts of the heart - Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 20, 1-16

Today's Gospel describes to us the kingdom of God according to the teaching of Christ. Here he uses the parable of the vineyard which symbolizes the people of Israel in the Old Testament. But, all of us are called to work in this vineyard, although the starting time is not the same for everyone. Indeed, God's call is personal, we can even say nominative, and not collective.

The first workers, who started early, were jealous of those who entered last, because they received the same wages as the latter. This attitude is also found in the parable of the prodigal son where the elder showed his displeasure at the return of his brother. This parable is not intended for employers in the treatment of their employees. This is the kingdom of God, where Christ welcomes us all, whether we come early or last. Those who took their posts first are none other than the Jews who had the privilege of knowing Christ firsthand, such is their salary. As for the workers at the last hour, they are sinners and Gentiles, who having heard Christ, have followed him. Jealousy and discontent take hold of the Pharisees who raged against Christ because of his love for sinners. They believed that the kingdom of God is exclusive to the Jews who keep the Law.

The kingdom of God is our reward. This is our salary. God's purpose is that all people be saved. Also, he wants all the men to work his vineyard, and even for those who are not there yet, he puts in place other means to save them.