Labour Day in Canada has its roots in a social movement that successfully managed to stop slave-like labour practices and begin the process of providing reasonable, just and safe work environments including the practice of 8-hour workdays. For our reflections here, we have a story from our tradition that infuses employee relations with compassion and generosity. At the end of the day in the vineyard, everyone has a living wage—not based on seniority or merit but based on compassion and generosity.
The invitation of today’s gospel is clear: we who follow in the Way of Jesus are to practice God’s generosity, not begrudge it. That’s how life in Christian community functions. It’s not a merit-based system based on how long we serve. Instead it’s a compassion and generosity-based way of living a life of love and service one for the other. The owner of the vineyard acts with love towards those who lack income and purpose. His love is made real through acts of compassion and generosity.
While the question of “what’s in it for us, dear Jesus?” is real and very human, the answer is surprising. As one’s who follow in the Way of Jesus, no matter one’s tenure, all are the recipients of God’s compassion, generosity and everlasting love. These gifts are ever eternal and ever present. And they are ours to embody, imitate and proclaim. When we practice and imitate divine compassion and generosity, we root our lives more deeply in God’s abundance and love. And that’s way more profound than living according to whatever merit we think we deserve or might be entitled to receive.