HIS GENEROSITY

Matthew 20:15
Are you envious because I am generous?
---------------------------------------------

Taken from Kerygma - August 20, 2008

He worked for this company for more than 30 years. The company grew and prospered… but not his career. Some of his officemates who were younger than him in age and in years of service had been promoted to officer level and became his immediate supervisors.

He resented his superiors for that. “I have been with this company for so long and this is what I get? It’s so unfair,” he would say.

In today’s Gospel, the owner of the vineyard paid all the workers equally regardless of the number of hours they worked. Consequently, the workers who toiled the whole day grumbled and complained that they did not get a fair share.

How often are we like these workers? Are we jealous of what God blesses another person with, thinking that we deserve more because we have been serving Him longer? Are we envious of other people’s “good fortune” considering that we are more talented, intelligent and hardworking?

The cure for envy is a thankful heart. Let’s stop comparing and start thanking the Lord for His blessings.

Let us pray +

Forgive me, Lord, for the times that I was envious of what others had. Grant me the grace to be contented and be appreciative of everything You have blessed me with. Thank You.

Amen +

You have granted him his heart’s desire… refused not the wish of his lips.