Are you envious because I am generous?

August 23, Wednesday of the 20th week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Rose of Lima, virgin
Daily Readings: First reading: Judges 9:6–15; Gospel:  Matthew 20:1–16

Anyone who has spent time with small children has heard the refrain: "That's not fair!" Whether it's a slice of cake or a birthday gift, children notice right away when someone else gets something bigger or better. They're like the workers in Jesus' parable, who find it unfair when the workers hired at the last minute receive the same daily wage as themselves. Complaining that they didn't get paid more, these workers are unable to rejoice in the landowner's generosity.

How often do we react that way, too? Maybe it's not over the question of fair pay for a day's work. But we might feel disgruntled when we see someone else receive a blessing or grace from God that we ourselves have been longing for. Why didn't we receive it first? Or we might become irritated when we hear of the deathbed conversion of a notorious sinner. How can the Lord promise them the same thing he promises us?

If those thoughts come to mind, recall the landowner's words, which echo God's attitude: "Are you envious because I am generous?" (Matthew 20:15). The truth is that God offers nothing less than his whole self to all of us. There's no "more" or "less" in his kingdom! He never runs out of goodness, and when it looks as if someone is receiving more, that doesn't mean there's less for us. In Christ, each of us has all we need. That's more than enough.

The more we're aware of God's generosity to us, the easier it will be to rejoice when he is generous to other people. So don't begrudge someone else a grace from the Lord just because you want it yourself. Instead, share in God's kindness by putting off jealousy or resentment. Rejoice with the people around you in the goodness of God.

In the end, that's what the workers in the parable missed out on. Their hearts couldn't rejoice in the master's generosity because they were measuring who got how much. But you don't have to miss out. Today, acknowledge God's abundant compassion and look at other people with his merciful gaze.

"Heavenly Father, I rejoice in your great generosity!"