Reflection for Sunday 20th September, 2026

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

God’s Generosity or Human Envy (Matt 20:1-16)

The parable of the workers in the vineyard reveals the contrast between God’s magnanimous generosity and human envy. There is no question of injustice since every worker got the agreed payment. “Why be envious because I am generous?” The horrible aspect of envy is the negative reaction to some goodness or success that another person enjoys. Envy is a poisonous growth that draws its energy out of something that is good and beautiful.

The workers who did only one hour received a full day’s pay. The generosity of the landowner should have been admired rather than becoming the subject of grumbling. Envy is one of the seven deadly sins. It is like a poisoned plant growing out of good soil. The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists some of the poisoned fruits of envy.

“His goodness shall follow me always, to the end of my days.”

“From envy are born hatred, detraction, calumny, joy caused by the misfortune of a neighbour, and displeasure caused by his prosperity.” Quite a juicy list of badness! Envy is a root that poisons the mind and heart.

Curing the poison

One cure for envy is to appreciate what we have received and to accept that the good fortune of another person is my good fortune too, since we are all brothers and sisters in God’s family. Another help to counteract envy is to replace boredom with a sense of wonder. Open your eyes and ears to the wonders of God’s generosity. Today’s First Reading tells us to turn our minds to our God who is rich in forgiving: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, my ways not your ways - it is the Lord who speaks. Yes, the heavens are as high above earth as my thoughts are above your ways, my thoughts above your thoughts.”

Gratitude heals

A lovely way to end each day is to switch off the invasive distractions of television, radio or computer so as to allow yourself the gift of a silent space. Reflect on the day now ending. Focus on the nice moments, some glimpse of beauty in a person, in nature, in some happening. These are gifts from God that often go unnoticed. Focus with gratitude on one gift for each day. Gratitude is one of the most healing powers in life.
The American writer, John Shea, said that the best preparation for heaven is the capacity for surprise. Whoever belongs to the kingdom of God has eyes open to goodness and ears that are deaf to grumbling. One is constantly amazed and never bored. The soul is full of wonder and praise. Why be envious when God is generous to others? “His goodness shall follow me always, to the end of my days.”