It is helpful to understand the context in which Jesus was speaking when he taught in parables. In the case of our Gospel passage this week, Jesus had been preaching and teaching in the Temple when the chief priests and elders began questioning his authority. In response, Jesus tells them about two sons who are asked to work in their father’s vineyard.
In the parable of the workers in the vineyard, we are confronted with what we might consider an unfair situation. The owner of the vineyard goes out and hires workers, starting in the early morning and ending close to sundown. But no matter what time of day the workers are hired, all get the same daily wage, even if they only worked for one hour. Most of us probably will think how very unfair it was that some had to labor all day and others got to waltz in at the last minute, but everyone got the same reward. In fact, the characters in the parable felt the same way and most likely so did Jesus’ audience.
Since most of us have trouble forgiving even once or twice, the standard set in today's Gospel is hard to comprehend. To help Peter, and us, understand that we are to forgive so much because we have been forgiven so much, Jesus tells the parable of the servant who owed a great debt to his master.
Forgiveness is not easy; it takes time and strength of character. Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a constant attitude. Forgiveness is not denial; it is saying, “I am sorry, I love you”. Forgiveness is not destructive; it is rebuilding relationship. Forgiveness ensures conversion. Forgiveness recognizes that people are more important than their faults. Forgiveness is giving us another chance to make a new beginning. Forgiveness is allowing us to love forevermore.
One of the great spiritual truths is that forgiveness is as much for ourselves as it is for the other person. If we do not forgive, we hold that person in bondage to their sin. And we hold ourselves in bondage both to the sin and the sinner as well.
This weekend, let us welcome in our parish Bishop Gerald Barnes, the Bishop of the Diocese of San Bernardino. During this year of grace of his 25th Episcopal Ordination, and as the “Spiritual Father” of our diocese, he comes to pay us a visit to dialogue and pray with us – his children in the vineyard of the Lord. Let us then make his Episcopal Visitation a jubilant and memorable encounter
Please join us (October 13th) for a complimentary pizza dinner and movie night in the Main Church at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Apparition of the Virgin Mary at Fatima.