First is last and last is first.

Image by Loci Lenar via FlickrToday's Gospel reading (Mt 20 1:16) gives us the parable of the landowner who hired laborers to work in his vineyard. As the day went on, he continued to bring laborers to his fields even up to the last hour of the day, yet all were paid the same wage.

Those who had readily agreed to work all day for a certain wage-their reward-were not thrilled that those who had only worked an hour were given the same wage, the same reward.

If our reward for believing in God is eternal life, what is the point of bringing others into the light if they shouldn't expect the same reward?

Of all of the characteristics of the human soul, one stands above the rest - Hope. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that we as faithful followers of God are given the hope of glory in heaven if we love him and do as he directs through his word, his Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit (CCC 1821).

In the parable of the landowner and the vineyard workers, we are given witness to hope; those laborers who were still waiting at the end of the day for a job were hopeful that they might work even for a short time in hopes that they could provide for their families. We stand at the altar with hope and faith that God will provide eternal life through him.

(extracted from the bulletin from The Church Of The Risen Christ – Colorado http://www.risenchristchurch.org).

The other 2 readings as follows:

Is 55:6-9 - Testingblog, Is 55:7 is especially for you.

and Phil 1:20-24 – Testingblog, you should read upto the end of the chapter paying extra attention to Phil 1:27.