Isaiah 55:6-9; Psalm 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18; Philippians 1:20C-24, 27a; Matthew 20:1-16a

Suggested Reflection Questions

• -  In the first reading, we are told that God’s thoughts are not our thoughts, and God’s ways are not our ways. This can be a difficult reality to accept. When in your life have you grumbled against God’s will? We are told that God’s ways are high above our ways. Did you realize that God’s ways were for the better? How did this change your faith in God?
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• -  The second reading talks about longing to depart this world to be with Christ. How can we find Christ in our everyday lives? When was a time you particularly felt His presence? 
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• -  In the Gospel, we find workers grumbling. They feel they have been treated unfairly because of their additional work in the vineyard. Take a few moments and place yourself in this story. Who are you? Are you the vineyard workers grumbling? Are you the owners granting a generous wage? What struck you as you placed yourself in the story? What is your biggest takeaway from this parable?

St. John Chrysostom (Feast Day: 9/13) is revered as one of the Early Church Fathers, and particularly as one of the great preachers in history (“Chrysostom” means “golden-mouthed”). His homilies have had a lasting impact on Orthodox, Eastern Rite, and Roman Catholic theology and liturgy, and he is frequently cited in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He lived from the year 347 until 407, spending time as an ascetic hermit, a popular public speaker in Antioch, and, though it was not his idea, as Archbishop in Constantinople. John’s preaching style was direct and accessible to the common people, relating Scripture to everyday life, and he was well-known for speaking strongly against the abuses of wealth and power in both the religious and political leaders. This prophetic stance made him very popular with the public and very unpopular with the people in charge of the church and state. He died in exile.
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Questions for Reflection:

• It is said that a prophet comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable. Who do you think is a prophet in today’s modern world?

• Where have you heard a “golden-mouth” speaking for the poor?

• Have you ever played the role of a prophet?