The Generous Economy of God

9 hours ago

4 min read

This parable of the vineyard labourers is very provocative for most of us. (Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost. Proper 20 [25] Matthew 20:1-16.) On the one hand we know that we depend on the mercy and generosity of God (or at least did at some point in time) but we are not comfortable about others (who we think don’t deserve it) receiving equal measures of graciousness!?! Many of us, like the complaining Israelites or Jonah, are a little or a lot upset at the thought of those who have not worked a whole day in the field like us getting the same wage!

Sentence:

“Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?” Matthew 20:14-15

Collect:

God of disturbing generosity,

come save us from ourselves

and teach us how to receive and give grace and mercy

until all your peoples and creatures enjoy your bounty.

This we pray in the name of Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Amen.

Reflections:

This parable, and the other readings this week, challenges us to engage with the implications that the ridiculously generous grace of God’s economy provokes.

You may find it useful to read what I have previously written on this parable.

The Vineyard

This week I want to reflect with you on the graciousness of God’s dream for the world – a place and a way of living in which all have their needs met regardless of their means. Again and again, especially parables about the nature of the kingdom, challenge us with the ridiculous, irrational, unchecked generosity of God. We can scarcely comprehend when it is extended to us but when it is extended towards others, especially those we do not think ‘deserve’ the grace of God, it positively disturbs many of us!

Many of us in the church wear multiple hats, or hold many roles and tasks, and in our weariness it seems terribly unfair that a late comer may have enjoyed years of carefree life before their ‘one hours work’ at the very end! But the other way of looking at this is to see the privilege of living a life of purpose and meaning. In our world of the superficial and the anxiety producing things we are encouraged to pursue, to be called and entrusted with a life of meaningful work is a gift. Just ask mental health workers, just read the self-help books, just look beyond the glossiness of social media for the frantic attempt to belong! For many people in the west meaning and purpose are in shorter supply than the means of survival. (This is not to deny the reality of suffering related to poverty and exclusion because this too is part of what this parable addresses but it is to notice that meeting material needs does not automatically address the issue of meaning and satisfaction.) It is a blessing to live a life of purpose greater than ourselves and while faith is not the only means of having a purpose to guide our lives it is one of the most powerful.

Which is to bring us full circle back to our first point that God’s dream for us all is gracious and generous. When we have journeyed in faith we come to desire the sense of purpose, joy and hope that we have for others as well. And we come to experience our joy being deepened by becoming conduits of grace, beacons of hope, warriors of justice, and companions of those who are seeking to find their way. We find that our enjoyment and welfare is wrapped up in the health and happiness of others. We find that we belong to a kingdom of all not a private paradise.

When we truly understand the unlimited gracious economy, or household, of God we will celebrate this parable and the promise to all that it infers rather than be troubled.

Intercessions:

Gracious God,

you have created all that is

and you have created us as parts

of an interconnected whole.

Help us to live and work in ways

that respect our neighbours and fellow creatures.

Help us to be mindful to share the earth’s resources

in ways that honour all your precious ones.

We particularly pray for those parts of the world

where there is degradation and destruction …

where your beloved ones suffer from poverty,

war and climate change …

Give us the desire and courage

to restore and protect your precious world.

Gracious God,

Hear our prayer.

Jesus, Redeemer of our fractured community,

Challenge and change us until we desire

what is best for others as we do for our most loved ones.

Help us to live in love for one another in the church

even when we do not agree on some matters;

help us to treat as neighbour all who are made in the image of you;

help us protect and raise up your little ones where ever there is suffering or exclusion.

We particularly pray for those whose humanity

and unique giftedness is not recognised by the church,

or state, or community …

help us to recognise and honour every expression of the divine.

Jesus, Redeemer of our fractured community,

Hear our prayer.

Spirit that sustains us,

when we are lost and confused

guide us in the way of your dream for us and for your world;

when we are wearied raise us up with renewed hope and purpose;

when the world does not honour your little ones grant us courage to protect and nurture so that in the fullness of your time your vision of a just and merciful world will come to pass.

We particularly pray for those who are overlooked

and undervalued in our communities

and pray that you would give us ears and eyes to hear and see as your Son did until all know that they belong.

Spirit that sustains,

Hear our prayer.

Living God,

Creator, Redeemer, and Spirit that sustains,

Open our hearts and minds to your generosity until we desire to be generous with others.

Amen.