DAILY HOMILIES #wages

The irony in Jesus’ parable is that those who passed the test did not know they were being tested. “Lord, when did we see you in these conditions and minister to you?” Those who would make heaven are naturally kind, people who help others without thinking of it or expecting anything in return. Unfortunately, such persons are not churchgoers. They may have never heard the Gospel, yet they live it out daily.

Today’s first reading is the perfect prayer for anyone called to the ministry: “Two things I ask of thee; deny them not to me before I die: Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me.” (Proverbs 30:7-8). Just as lack can lead one to steal, having too much can lead to denying God. As the saying goes: “virtue lies in the middle.”

God’s generosity may be seen as “injustice”, but who would survive if God treated us according to our sins? Why do we point fingers at others, forgetting that our so-called goodness is only by God’s grace? Imagine you were the thief who got this express ticket to heaven, the prodigal son, or the worker hired very late; wouldn’t you be happy? How would you respond to those angry with God, saying you do not deserve such love?