Lectio Divina for the Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Read the following Scripture two or three times:
Matthew 20:1-16a
Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn
to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o’clock, the landowner saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and
he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ So they went off. And
he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise. Going out about five o’clock,
the landowner found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They
answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ When it was
evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay,
beginning with the last and ending with the first.’ When those who had started about fire o’clock came,
each received the usual daily wage. So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more,
but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner,
saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s
burden and the heat.’ He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not
agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one
the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am
generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Meditation
After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on or more of the following questions:
– What word or words in this passage caught your attention?
– What in this passage comforted you?
– What in this passage challenged you?
Contemplation
Read the Scripture again, followed by this reflection:
What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?
The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for hs vineyard.
How am I being called to labor for the Lord?
How can I prepare my heart to hear and respond to the Lord’s call?
Why do you stand here idle all day?
When have I failed to act as I should?
How have I become lazy in my spiritual life?
Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last. Who in my community is seen as “last?
How can I reach out to the forgotten and marginalized?
After a period of silent reflection recite the Lord’s Prayer.
Living the Word This Week
How can I make my life a gift for others in charity?
Learn about social justice initiatives in your parish and diocese and consider prayerfully how you
might participate.
