September 20

During my eighteen years as a youth minister, I spent my fair share of time in various amusement parks. At some point during those years, the concept of the fast pass was introduced. (For an added price, you get to skip to the front of the lines.)

Initially, I absolutely hated the concept. I don’t like lines anyway. Now, you are telling me people get to walk right by me because the insane cost of my ticket isn’t enough?

Then, a friend bought me a fast pass. I never had to wait more than ten minutes to get on a ride. I’m not ashamed to admit...it was a beautiful day.

I guess it is all about perspective.

This Sunday’s Gospel is much the same.

A landowner goes and hires some workers first thing in the morning. They negotiate a fair price. He goes back and hires more waves of workers throughout the day. Even when the day is almost over, he hires a few more.

As the day comes to a close, the landowner pays everyone the price he’s agreed to with the first workers. Whether they worked ten hours or just one—they were paid the same. If I worked all, I wouldn’t be pleased.

If I worked an hour, I’d have no complaints. It is definitely all about perspective.

In the end, we might struggle with God’s mercy, forgiveness, and love when God showers it on our enemies. Yet, we beg for it when it comes to our loved ones. Interesting, how our view of mercy shifts based on the recipient.

We should all be grateful that someone like us doesn’t have the final say on salvation. The final say comes from the One who gives us (and everyone else) chance after chance and opportunity after opportunity.

We must continue to change our lives and pray our loved ones (and enemies) do the same because this fast pass is for a ride that is out of this world.

Questions? Comments? Email David at dlins@oloj.org.