May the Lord give you grace, peace and health in the Holy Spirit.
It is 17th August 2022. We reflect on Ezekiel 34:1-11 and Matthew 20:1-16. Are we envious or erroneous in being generous? The readings point out to upgrade our generosity not to criticize the enormous and inspiring generosity of God.
God’s justice leans and leads the weak and the vulnerable in the community.
Prophet Ezekiel warns the shepherds such as the kings and princes of Judah for their failures in not being generous to people who are entrusted to them. God will judge us on account of our generosity to one another in the end. No one can claim and boast before God for their achievement. God’s goodness and generosity are greater than human justice. Envying God for the generosity God shows to someone with whom we have problems lead us to hatred, indifference and loss of faith.
We all need to aspire to live a generous life even if it generates envy in others. there is no need to reduce or hide our generosity just because someone is talking ill of us. We are always strengthened and motivated to give like God when we believe the response of the Psalmist: “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” (Ps.23:1).
Everyone is equal before God and so God treats everyone with love and justice. “I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Mt.20:16). God’s generosity singles out God’s ways of relating with us. God communicates and commutes with us no matter whether we have responded rationally. The display of God’s care cannot be undermined by our envious attitudes. May God help us be always generous to all. God bless you.