The Lord is Kind and Merciful

Flying out of Las Vegas once, on Southwest airlines, back in the old days when they gave you a number, I was pleased to receive number 5.  When it came time to board the plane though, there were at least ten to fifteen people who had already lined up before me.  I found it amusing that so many were eager to move onto the discount airplane.  For those who do not know Southwest keeps its costs down by offering comfortable, but no-frills, flying.  Except for the ability to wait on an airplane ten minutes longer than those behind them, I had to wonder what they expected to gain.

In the realm of the Kingdom of God, there is a part of us that like to impress God with all of the great things we have done.  We want God to know of our years of faithful service, the various acts of charity we have accomplished, and the way we have been good.  But the fact of the matter is that God already loves us.  God is good and loving because that is just the way God is.  Paul today does not see his role as any more 'special' than anyone else.  In matter of fact Paul continues to refer to himself as one of the least worthy of the disciples. Saint  Paul understands that it is the Paschal Mystery that draws us into a relationship with the Father, and that alone should fill us with thanksgiving and praise.

Much like little children watching the amount of ice cream doled out, the workers who had worked the longest become irate at the land-owner.  "How can he be so unfair?"  But salvation history helps us understand that God is both fair and just.  We see this in the mission and ministry of Jesus who reaches out to those holy and righteous, as well as those who are broken by Sin and Evil.  The anawim, oppressed, forgotten, and even the ornery, are also part of God's Kingdom.  What God desires is transformation, conversion and discipleship.

God's love and kindness are beyond our comprehension.  Perhaps we should be glad that God is so loving.  Some days we might feel slighted by God.  We are invited to consider God's great generosity and kindness, and take heart that he has invited us into his vineyard.