23 Aug
Wed
20th Week in Ordinary Time
St Rose of Lima, virgin
Jdg. 9:6-15
Ps. 21(20):2-3,4-5,6-7
Mt. 20:1-16
(Ps Wk IV)
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"Are you envious because I am generous?"

If we reflect more on this question from the perspective of the owner, we will not be led astray into interpreting this challenging parable in term of social justice. The focus is entirely on the generosity of the hirer, even if that generosity seems unjust or unfair from our human perspective. Essentially Jesus is teaching us that God is unconditionally generous with all of us human beings. But, then, of course, God's generosity and grace are mysteries of the Blessed Trinity which we cannot fathom so that frequently our attempts at explanation end up by confusing the issue entirely.

In his spiritual Exercises, St Ignatius affirms that generosity is one of the essential qualities in anyone desiring to do the Exercises and establishing an ever closer relationship with God. Jesus' parable teaches us that, in reference to the Kingdom of God, only God's generosity can be the model and the measure of any human attempt at generosity.



Teach me, O Lord, to be generous in all things as You are so generous and loving, so patient and tolerant with me.


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 artists of our time, through their ingenuity, may help everyone discover the beauty of creation.
Elaboration

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