Septuagesima

Today's Reading: Matthew 20:1-16

Daily Lectionary: Job 8:1-22; John 4:27-45

'These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.' (Matthew 20:12)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. People like to say that Jesus told parables to use everyday items and situations so people could understand. But when did you ever hear of anyone paying all their workers the same when they all worked different hours? That would surely violate some IRS Law!

Jesus' parables may use earthly items like vineyards and farmers, but they are far from the kind we're familiar with. Rather, His parables, usually with some twist, teach us why God isn't like us and why His grace isn't what we'd expect. It doesn't matter if you've been a Christian your whole life or if you were baptized on your deathbed. You're still a child of God.

Nobody really begrudges someone else getting something good. What makes us mad is when someone who doesn't deserve as mu