SHARING IN THE INHERITANCE

Do you remember never getting picked for anything? Or rather, never getting picked for anything first? Do you remember how that made you feel? Everyone was always prettier, smarter, more athletic, popular than you. You were waiting for someone, anyone, to call your name. The longer you waited, the more your spirit dampened. You started to wonder if you’re worthy of being chosen. If you’re enough. Because it wasn’t enough to have love for the game despite knowing you’re not quite good. 

Matthew 20:1-16, the base of our discussion last week, brings this memory to light as Jesus tells a parable of what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. In it, a householder goes out several times a day to hire laborers for his vineyard. Early morning, third hour, sixth hour, ninth hour, eleventh hour. Having agreed to receive a denarius for their wages, the early morning workers are surprised when evening comes and the ones that were summoned at the last hour are paid the same as them. 

They start to grumble and complain, to which the householder responds, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ And Jesus concludes with, ‘‘Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

It's a story of equality. It's a story of generosity. It's a story that we are all called, chosen. And it’s a reminder that who others are, what others do, what others receive, won't fill you.

As we progress into October, let us remember to cast aside any feelings of jealousy or resentment. Let us remember that no-one is inferior and that God's ways are not our ways. Let us remember that no matter how hard we work during our lifetime, we will all, if we choose to accept God’s invitation of love and mercy, receive the same everlasting reward: eternal life. Let us remember it doesn't matter when others come to know Him, just that they now do.

Stay humble, stay grateful, and join us tomorrow for a talk on surrender by yours truly!

Peace & Blessings, xo