25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
When I was still working, those employees who came before me received more. They had a higher basic salary and more benefits. It was understandable because it is how the system works, especially in the hiring and salary process. Then the company where I worked had to expand its operations. They put up a new plant that would produce another product line. They had to hire new employees for various positions, from assembly operators to managerial roles. Those who were hired for
the supervisory and managerial positions had the opportunity to negotiate their starting salary, and so they received better compensation than those who were already working in the company. Their salaries were leaked, and we, who had been working longer than the newer employees, were disappointed. We silently protested, which was noticed by our managers, and somehow they approached us. We had a dialogue, and they heard our sentiments, and they made some adjustments with the compensation of all \those in the supervisory and managerial positions. This was justice.
But the kingdom of heaven is not all about justice. Of course, God will judge the wicked, and they will receive their punishment. However, God is love. Love is the perfection of justice. So, for those sinners who came late to repent and embrace the love of the Lord, they also have the opportunity to enter the kingdom of heaven, just like the workers who came last to work at the vineyard. God is so generous that He calls those who seek Him, regardless of when they begin or how much effort they have already made to find the Lord in their lives.
And so, we must open our hearts as the Lord does to everyone, whether to the holy or to the sinner. All of us are made worthy by the Lord Jesus Christ by His one and only sacrifice.
Have a blessed week ahead.
Fr. Leo Ayuyao, SSS
