We have all heard on the news and read in the newspapers about how our economy is in a terrible state. High unemployment ravages our country. The poor get poorer. Crime is up because people are desperate. Today's gospel is about justice, generosity, and desires.

The Gospel reading today is about the owner of a vineyard who paid the men that he hired late in the afternoon the same wage that he paid those who had worked all day. Those who worked all day challenged the owner and felt they were being cheated. The owner, however, pointed out to them that he agreed to pay them the usual wage, therefore, he did not cheat them. He also pointed out that he can be as generous as he wants with his money.
It is easy for me to recognize that God is generous with all people. This time my reflection took me to think about the economy of our lives? Like the workers who were hired first, do we want more than what is fair? Do we think that we deserve more than another person? Are we jealous of God's or another person's generosity? Perhaps the economy of our country and our lives would improve if we paid attention to our desires. Are the things we want beneficial or necessary to our lives? What can we let go of and share with others so that others can have their share?
I reflected also that we might try embracing our poverty. I am not saying it is okay to be economically poor, hungry, homeless. I am saying quit whining about what you don't have. If you are blessed with good health, a place to live, adequate nourishment,, why moan about not having the latest fashion, iphone, ipad, x-box, or largest flat screen TV. God is generous and will give us what we need. I have often heard that God's generosity will not be outdone. While we need to do what we can to help ourselves, we also need to place our trust in God who loves us more than we could ever imagine.

JESUS' PRESENCE AT THE WORKPLACE

What motivates you to go to work and do what you do? Is it just a pay check or prestige? Is it obligation? Is it passion and joy for what you are doing, or is just out of necessity? We all have different reasons or motives for choosing a career or profession. We all need to work in order to make a living for ourselves, our community, or to provide for a family.
For some people their job, the place they work, and the people they work with are great. Going to work is not a burden. For others the job is okay, but their co-workers may be unpleasant or difficult or uncooperative. And for some, their co-workers are okay, however, they hate their job. Since most of us do not work alone, what if before the work day begins, we and those co-workers who would choose to do so, get together for a short prayer, or a scripture reading, and to offer prayer intentions.

Jesus said in Sunday's Gospel, "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them." It would be a good reminder to all that Jesus in present as we go about our work each day. Maybe we and our co-workers would be more kind, cooperative, and more pleasant. Perhaps it would make work not feel like a burden. Maybe I am a dreamer.
Each morning when I get to school I invite Christ to be with me throughout the day as I teach and interact with my students and co-workers. A few of us teachers used to pray for a few minutes, but once the person who organized it left, no one picked up the ball to continue. I think I will invite others to join me in prayer in the morning. I will let you know the outcome. Will you take a chance and try it at your place of work? If so, let me know about it.