Equal pay for equal work is a mantra for people in the workplace. Justice and equality all around. When people feel they are unfairly treated or compensated, there is great upheaval and dissention among employees.

Then When we pick up today’s gospel and hear the parable of the workers in the vineyard, equal pay for equal work is our initial perspective. How could the landowner pay the same salary to those who worked a few hours and those who worked all day. It doesn’t seem fair. And it isn’t just if that was what the parable was all about. But it isn’t.

Jesus is not instructing anyone about what they should pay others . Jesus is teaching us about God and about God’s love. The parable is not about work but about relationship. And relationship cannot be measured in that way.

Jesus is reiterating that whenever we come to the Lord, morning, noon or night, God is always there to receive us with open arms. This parable is reminiscent of the story of the Prodigal Son who returns after years away, squandering his inheritance. The father moves beyond that hurt and welcomes the son with open arms and forgiveness.

God’s love is total and unconditional. It is all enveloping, forgiving, and consuming. God’s love is perfect.

All the parables, and all the analogies and all the adjectives about that love fall short because we do not have the language to adequately describe it. So we keep trying .

But what is more important is to turn to God anytime and to experience the love God showers down upon us. To know that God is there morning, noon, and night; at the beginning of life, at mid life, and in old age; And that no matter what, we will never be short changed by His love.