“These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.” It is easy to feel the injustice of favoritism shown to those who do not deserve it – haven’t earned it. Why should the laborers who have yet to do any real work be rewarded with the full day’s wages? By human standards – it simply is not fair. But God is speaking to us about His standards – and particularly as they apply to His mercy and love. Think of Mary as she stood at the foot of the cross. She had done more, sacrificed more, suffered more and been obedient more to God’s will than any other person in history. And here was Jesus on the cross in his dying moments granting to a thief who had done only one act of faith, heaven that very day. God’s love is extended to all who desire it without condition for how much they have earned it.
As Vincentians, We encounter circumstances on a regular basis where people are asking for help who have done little to earn it. We are called to extend help and his love and mercy as he has extended it to us. We are called to set aside our prejudices and our judgments responding to those He brings before us in complete Christian charity. When we do, we are graced by Christ’s presence flowing through us. Am I able to set aside my judgements and freely offer assistance AND myself in love and compassion to everyone Christ brings before me?
Father, I pray for the humility to see your presence in even the most ‘undeserving’ clients. Grant me the passion and desire to reach out in love and mercy as you reach out to me every day. Make my generosity of love blind to circumstance and free of conditions. Grant that I may respond to your will and trust in your Divine Providence as St. Vincent did. I pray all of this in your Son’s name. Amen
Deacon Mike