YOU’RE HIRED!

These words are music to the ears of anyone who has been or is unemployed.  Today, God wants to hire you: “You too go into my vineyard and I will give you what is just.” (Mt 20:7). No matter what “hour” of life you’re in, he is willing to hire you to go into the world to spread the good news of Jesus’ love.

Yet even with such a generous employer, how many of us actually want to be hired for the task?  It surfaces the contrast between “What I want to be” and “What I really am.”  In our own lives we often fall short, not measuring up to the saints.  Causing us to become discouraged, depressed, even despairing.  The Book of Judges chronicles the behavior of the tribes of Israel after entering Canaan: 1) they conquer; 2) they turn away from Yahweh; 3) they suffer persecution; 4) they turn back to Yahweh; 5) Yahweh chooses a judge to help them reconquer; 6) the judge dies; 7) they turn away from Yahweh, and the pattern begins anew.  Does this sound familiar?   It does of my spiritual life where I am challenged by the many ups and downs of life.  At times I am enjoying the highs of the promise land and at others parched life of the desert.

But what if, instead of thinking about all our failures, we consider our spiritual life as a relationship?  Instead of seeking perfection, we seek God!  Our spiritual life then is not characterized by prayers said or sins avoided, but by how we relate to God.  I know, I know, this is not the conventional way of talking about the spiritual life, because it makes room for our faults and failures that accompany us along the way.

Jesus’ parable about the vineyard owner and the wages paid to the workers may seem unfair, and yet it dramatically affirms that the world’s standards and those of God’s kingdom differ.  Divine generosity makes room for the brokenness within each of us.

Consistent failure frustrates us; consistent repentance delights the Lord.   Pope Francis says, “God never tires of forgiving.”  A spiritual life is healthy when measured by its openness to accepting God.   Formulas will fail; faith fosters growth.   The criteria imposed on spirituality, by some experts, are based on worldly standards; the kingdom of heaven looks at things differently.  Our God is a most tolerant and generous employer, who will reward all of our efforts. 

Let's resound loudly, Lord, I’ll take the job.  Nourished by this Eucharistic meal we will go forth with the confidence to let your Spirit guide us to those who are waiting to hear that you love and accept them where ever they’re at today.