BE GRATEFUL! THATS HOW TO CONQUER ENVY!

Wednesday of the Twentienth Week in Ordinary Time: Year C Matthew 20:1-16 The gospel reading today tells us of the magnitude of God’s mercy and generosity. What counts in the kingdom of God is not seniority or years of service, but the diligence of heart. Our Lord does not look at the amount of our service but the love with which it is given that matters. Friends, we are reminded not to impose our terms on God. We should not make God act like human beings. God does not follow the human system of weights and measurements. God’s ways is better. It is totally different from us. Friends, God transcends human standards. Envy is one our worst problem today. “Are you envious because I am generous?” An envious person constantly compares himself to others, forever worrying that somehow, somewhere, someone is receiving more than he. Perhaps we behave like the first workers in the parable, we feel envious about people who are more good-looking, more talented, and more gifted than we. Envy hinders us from seeing other people’s goodness. Friends, the gospel is asking us to rejoice in the success and good fortune of others. Do not be sad if others are happy and don’t be happy if others are sad. Rejoice with the progress of people around you. Stop complaining and refrain from comparing yourselves. Conquer envy by being grateful. Count your blessings and learn to be satisfied with what you have. Blessings Fr. Jhack