“Are you going to be envious because I am good?”

At first reading, the grumblers in today’s gospel have a valid complaint.  The latecomers should not receive the same amount as they.  Of course, when taking the context into account, Jesus is making it clear that the Gentiles, although latecomers, would be fully sons and daughters of God in the Kingdom. 

There is also the context of the day laborer.  They lived a precarious existence.  No work meant no food.  The owner of the vineyard has compassion for those still hoping for some type of work, even though the day is nearly done.  He hires them anyway and still gives them the day’s wage.  The worker would be able to bring something home after all.

Do we ever feel that God somehow owes us more because of our many years of faithful service?