September 20, 2026
25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Last Being First
These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us…
Matthew 20:12

Is God fair? The parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard makes me uncomfortable. That whole standing idle in the marketplace thing, waiting to be chosen—it reminds me of gym class. I was always picked last for any sport. When we won, I don’t know if anyone begrudged me a ribbon like those day-long laborers grumbled at the eleventh-hour crew. I do know I didn’t deserve it. But, boy, was I grateful to be part of that team. Was the teacher fair to include me in the win?

The laborers hired at the end of the day were the rejects. Other, presumably more able, people were chosen first. Yet, with just one hour left to the day, these still hoped for a chance. They went to the marketplace and did what they could. And the generous landowner gave them a place.

Lord, fill us with your generosity and compassion.

- Sarah Christmyer

Isaiah 55:6-9 ✚ Psalm 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18 ✚ Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a ✚ Matthew 20:1-16a
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Comments

freeter
September 20, 2026 at 04:17 PM

Amen. :)

Jeff M
September 20, 2026 at 10:16 AM

In God's eyes there are no rejects. He loves us all equally. We just need to respond to His love.

Salina (not in control)
September 20, 2026 at 09:22 AM

Yes, God is always generous and compassionate towards all people ✝️ The question is if we know, understand and receive Him like that!!! *** The Kingdom of God and His message will always make people uncomfortable, so get comfortable with it and learn His ways by getting into His Word in Isaiah 55:8-9, 11, “My thoughts are not like your thoughts. And your ways are not like My ways,” announces the Lord. “The heavens are higher than the earth. And My ways are higher than your ways. My thoughts are higher than your thoughts…The Words I speak are like that. They will not return to Me...
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Debbie H
September 20, 2026 at 09:12 AM

Amen.

CBR
September 20, 2026 at 08:52 AM

Amen Amen Amen God bless us all

Mike
September 20, 2026 at 09:15 AM

Amen

Cheryl
September 20, 2026 at 07:08 AM

Amen

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