Commentaries

25^th Sunday

Matthew 20: 1 – 16a

Do I haggle with God?

Fr. Francis Moloney, SDB., describes the scene at the end of the day as he expands on the parable of Jesus. “One must imagine the queue, with the newly-arrived workers at the beginning, and those employed earlier, tired after a full day in the vineyard, watching them as they go off with their denarius. If we put ourselves in the place of those who are at the end of the queue, we can understand how they rightly expect to receive more than the agreed denarius. We can also share their disappointment and indignation when they do not (vs. 11-12).[1]

Let’s go back to the beginning of the parable. We find the landowner hiring the first group of laborers “after agreeing with them for the usual daily wage” (v.2), which is one denarius. There is apparently some negotiation going on here. These laborers make and agree on a deal with the owner.

There would be no such negotiation or agreement with the other groups of workers. Or at least, there is no mention of any demands on the part of the hired hands. To the second group, the owner tells them “I will give you what is just” (v. 4). And he does “likewise” (v.5) to the group he hires at noon and at three o’clock. Most interestingly, to the last group hired at five o’clock, all he says is “You too go into my vineyard” (v.7). There appear to be no negotiation whatsoever with these groups.

Then only two groups of laborers are mentioned in details at the time of payment. The group that began last comes, and we are simply told, “each [receives] the usual daily wage” (v. 9). Obviously, they should appreciate that generous pay. So, they take it and go.

The attention is now focused on the first group of laborers. They receive the pay they have agreed with the owner, yet they complained. They have expected to “receive more” (v. 10), and they are now disappointed.

The laborers attitude would be understandable if the parable were about regular business dealing, even though the landowner is in the right. However, this is not about a business agreement, but as Jesus introduces the parable, it is about the kingdom of heaven (v. 1). And membership of the kingdom is God’s gratuitous grace. It is a totally free gift.

On the contrary, when one fails to acknowledge the kingdom as God’s gift, one can take it for granted, or worse, presumes that one is entitled to it. Nobody can negotiate with God here. If one haggles with God, one already has the wrong presumption. And that will lead to the disappointment, a disappointment at God’s boundless generosity (v. 15).

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[1] Moloney, Francis J. The Gospel of the Lord: Reflections on the Gospel Readings Year A. p. 178 – 179.