“Why do you stand here idle all day?' They answered, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard.”

(Mt 20:6-7) Reflection The Gospel today is the familiar parable of the landowner and the laborers he calls to the vineyard. Our Lord speaks of idleness in the men he had met prior to their call. They had nothing fruitful to do. Idleness is a lack of activity, a lack of purpose and direction. And so, it is with us. Our lives are chaotic and without purpose if we do not encounter God. The God of mercy goes out in search for us and in that encounter, we are called to a purpose - to work in His vineyard - that is to do His work with Him. In doing so, we find ourselves, our reward and ultimately, the deepest and true desires of our hearts are met fully and perfectly with God. Let us ask for the grace to labor without comparison, without envy of neighbor and be reminded that if He did not call us to Himself, we would be lost and have no purpose in this life. May we look for Jesus in our daily life and be attuned when we meet Him today. May we continually give thanks for His mercy in calling us to service.