“here’s looking at you”
“When the first group appeared, they supposed…” —Matthew 20:10
How can we discover if we are pasturing ourselves? (Ez 34:2-3) Today’s Gospel parable gives us a glimpse into our motivation. If we work a full day in the heat for Jesus (Mt 20:12), we can still be pasturing ourselves. Are we focused on our reward, on what we get out of serving Jesus? Are we focused on comparing our reward with that of our neighbor?
Notice how the Master requires the workers to observe the payment of the wages (Mt 20:8). Since we who work for the Lord’s harvest must observe this, He offers three options upon which we might choose to focus:
1) what we get as our reward (Mt 20:11). If that’s what we focus on, our model is the heavenly elders. As soon as they receive the reward of their crown, they immediately cast that crown at the feet of the Lord in heaven, offering it for the greater glory of God (Rv 4:10).
2) what others get as their reward (Mt 20:12). In this case, our model is to rejoice with those who are rejoicing (Rm 12:15), as opposed to selfish grumbling.
3) the face of the Master, Who finds great joy in being generous (Mt 20:15), saying, “Come, share your Master’s joy.” Our model is to fix our eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2).
One thing upon which we must never focus is ourselves. If we do, then we might indeed be pasturing ourselves (Ez 34:2).
Prayer: Jesus, give me the grace to concentrate only on You in every situation of my life. Help me take Your yoke on my shoulders and always learn from You (Mt 11:29).
Promise: “For thus says the Lord God: I Myself will look after and tend My sheep.” —Ez 34:11
Praise: St. John Eudes cared for those who were physically sick by tending to their needs and cared for those who were spiritually sick by preaching God’s Word to them.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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