Readings: Judges 9:6-15, Ps. 21:2-7, Matthew 20:1-16
“If in good faith you are anointing me, king, over you, then come and take refuge in my shade; but if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon.” (Judges 9:15)
Peter asked Jesus, “We have left everything to follow you; what then is there for us?” In response, Jesus mentioned two kinds of rewards: seats in heaven and a hundredfold return of all that was left for the sake of God’s kingdom. God is not like us; He does not use and dump. There is no sacrifice we make on God’s behalf that is unrewarded. The book of Hebrews says, “Whoever would approach God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6).
When Jesus mentioned the rewards, the disciples felt relief. However, Jesus narrated the Parable of the Landowner to teach them a fundamental lesson: when receiving rewards, avoid comparing yourself with others. Like the workers recruited for work in the vineyard at different times, we are not all gifted the same way; we were not all born on the same day, and we did not come to know God on the same day. However, after our labour, we shall all receive exactly what we deserve.
Saint Paul throws light on this parable when he declares: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So, neither he who plants nor waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and waters is equal, and each shall receive his wages according to his labour.” (1st Corinthians 3:6-9).
We cannot all become ordained ministers, consecrated men and women, bishops, or cardinals in the church, but at the end of the day, not even the Pope will receive a greater reward than the newly baptised. Jesus says: “The last will be first, and the first will be last.” This means that there would be no last or first.
This parable of the landowner teaches us that the essence of the Christian life is collaboration and not competition. Each is called to give their best to achieve the good of all. In today’s First Reading, Jotham narrated a story about how the trees came to select a king for themselves:
The olive rejected the offer of being the king, claiming that its oil was too precious. It refused to contribute its best to others. The fig tree said its fruits were too delicious. The vine couldn’t give up its superb wine. Eventually, they settled for the bramble tree, but the bramble could only give fire. If we don’t contribute our talents for the common good, we will all suffer the consequences. Whatever your talents are, please do not keep them to yourself. It is by serving others that we become better.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux was born in Fontaines, near Dijon in France, into a noble family. Following his mother’s passing, he entered the Cistercian Order in 1113, a community recognised for its rigorous discipline, and brought along his brothers and friends. Bernard’s exceptional spirituality led him to establish the Abbey of Clairvaux, where he served as Abbot.
Beyond his monastic responsibilities, Bernard significantly impacted the Church by founding several monasteries, writing spiritual works, and advising Popes. He consistently declined offers to become a bishop, choosing instead to dedicate himself fully to God’s work. Known for his miraculous gifts, St. Bernard left a lasting legacy on the 12th-century Church. He passed away on 20 August 1153, and is honoured on the same day each year.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us grow above pride that we may treat everyone around us as our equals before you. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Bernard, Abbot, Doctor. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Judges 9:6-15, Ps. 21:2-7, Matthew 20:1-16)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu