READINGS:  1st Reading: Judges 9:6-15: The tales of trees and their king.

Resp. Psalm: 21: O Lord, your strength gives joy to the king.

Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16: Why be envious because I am generous?

REFLECTION

Can you tolerate and care for the weak? Today’s gospel presents to us the parable of the just and sympathetic householder, who goes about employing workers for his vineyard at different times of the day. He called those who were available, those who were disposed to work. He called and care for the workers irrespective of their conditions and the time of their employment. He granted them the job opportunity. He recognized that they needed a job to earn a living and he rewarded them in the same way.
This parable points to the care and generosity of God who is also just and faithful in his reward to mankind. He shares his divine life with us even though we do not deserve it. God is so good and generous in all his ways,

Today’s first reading, we hear the story of Abimelech, the king of Shechem. He ruled for only three years but those years, the people experienced wickedness and bloodshed. He was known for killing his own people. He told his parents that it is better for him to rule than the other brothers for they will cause division in Gideon’s household. He further went to meet his mother’s brothers , bribed them and they killed seventy of them on the same stone only Jotham escaped. The tales of the trees presents the case that only a little bramble tree is capable of ruling and eventually he was killed in battle.

If you were in the position to rule, will there be bloodshed or mercy In the land? If you were to rule will there to rule will their be hunger in the city, wickedness and sickness or will there be justice, generosity and fairness in the land? The choice is ours we are born to lead and to be led. The choice is ours to be like Abimelech or be like Jesus.

May the good Lord continue to help us to respond to his call. Amen .

God bless you
OSHO