21 Sep
Sun
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
Is 55:6-9
Ps 145(144):2-3,8-9,17-18
Phil 1:20-24,27
Mt 20:1-16
(Ps Wk I)
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Superficially, Jesus' parable is a story of employer and employees but we must not reify the parable, that is to say we must not treat it as a description of some real conditions existing in human affairs. Whenever Jesus talks about the Kingdom of Heaven, of course, inevitably in the background somewhere there is a trace of teaching on justice. In this case, too, there is indeed a matter of justice, but not the superficial social justice that we latch on to as if this were a newspaper report or a report from a study group on wages or on exploitation.

The real meaning, as indicated by Jesus' opening words, is centred on the Kingdom of Heaven and is how God deals generously with both Jews, those who have "borne the heat of the day" in their long history as the Chosen people, and the Gentiles, who, because of Jesus' universal gift of salvation, are comparative newcomers to God's promises and grace. In the Kingdom of Heaven all of us are equal in that we all receive grace and eternal life gratuitously from God.



Father, grant us a deeper sense of gratitude for the gift of salvation which you have given us all, Jews and Gentiles, through the gift of Your Son.


DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That the mentally disabled may receive the love and help they need for a dignified life.
Elaboration

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