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A Note From

Rev. Joe Koyickal

God’s Generosity

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard. Some work all day, while others are hired later, even at the very last hour. Yet the landowner gives them the same generous wage. Those who worked all day become upset: “You have made them equal to us.”

The parable reminds us that God is generous beyond our calculations. As Prophet Isaiah says in the first reading: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord”. God does not give according to what we think people deserve. His love is not limited or measured out according to hours worked, accomplishments, or past mistakes. God’s generosity is rooted in who He is: a loving Father who wants everyone to receive His goodness. And he invites everyone to be open to His offer of salvation. We do not merit it or earn it.

Sometimes we can be like the workers who became resentful. We may think, “I have worked hard. I have sacrificed. I deserve more! We can also become envious. Why should that person receive the same? Or more?” We can compare ourselves with others and feel that life or even God is not fair. “Comparison is the thief of Joy” (Theodore Roosevelt).

But Jesus invites us to move from comparison to gratitude. Instead of asking, “Why did they receive so much?” perhaps we can ask, “How much God has already given me!”

And there is another important question we can ask ourselves: If God is so generous with me, how can I be generous with others?

We are called to reflect God’s love and generosity in the ordinariness of our daily lives. It can be as simple as by forgiving someone, helping a neighbor, sharing our time with someone who needs it, encouraging a person who is discouraged, welcoming someone who feels left out, or giving another person a second chance.

In our own parish community, for example, generosity is not only about money. It is also about our time, patience, kindness, talents, forgiveness, and willingness to serve. There are always opportunities for us.

This week, let us remember: God has never been stingy with us. Let us not be stingy with one another. May we receive God’s generosity with grateful hearts and allow that generosity to flow through us to the people around us.

Blessing of Peace and Joy Always!

Fr. Joe