By Deanna Bartalini

“‘Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’  So the last will be first, and the first last.” ~Matthew 20:15–16

As I read today’s Mass readings, the words “it’s not fair” kept coming to me. First, we have Ezekiel being told to speak out against the shepherds of Israel because they are not treating the sheep fairly or justly. They are going against God. They take what they need and want from the sheep and allow the sheep to suffer. God is angry and is taking over the care of his sheep. (The shepherds are the leaders of Israel, and the sheep are the people.)

Fairness or Justice?

Matthew recounts Jesus’ parable of a landowner who causes the workers he hires to grumble “it is not fair.” Not because they were cheated out of wages, but because all the workers, no matter how many hours they worked, were paid the same! The injustice. Who does that? 

Fairness. As children, we invoked “it’s not fair” on a daily basis trying to convince our parents or teachers to see it our way. We talked about wanting things to be fair, but let’s be honest, we said that mostly when we were thought we were getting less than someone else or getting into trouble. 

God is Just

God is not fair. God is just. God is merciful. God often gives us more than we deserve in terms of gifts. And His justice is always merciful. 

Why does God give and forgive with such love, grace, and mercy? Because He is God. These are His attributes. The qualities or virtues which he is known by and for. Like it says in the parable, God is generous, and sometimes, we are envious of the generosity he gives to others. 

Both readings point out truth we can live by today. We need to do what is right in the eyes of God. We are not to compare what we receive to what others receive.

Prayer:

Dear God, I may complain when life seems unfair. Help me to see Your hand in my life so I turn to You for understanding and comfort.

Call to Action:

Today, think about how you might be allowing your idea of fairness or comparison to get in the way of what God wants to do in your life.

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