At a first reading we might be strongly inclined to side with the grumblers in the parable. After all, it did not seem at all fair that those who only worked for one hour should get exactly the same as those who had worked from early in the morning. Even though they had agreed to work for that amount, still in all fairness and decency, they should have been given more or the latecomers less.

However, if we find ourselves talking like this then it shows that our thoughts are human thoughts and not God's. A little further reflection will make us feel grateful that God works like the employer in the vineyard. This is the justice of God which we need to learn. He gives his love, all of his love, to every person without exception who opens himself to it. It does not matter whether that happens early or late. What each of the workers received was a symbol of the love of God, who is the vineyard owner. All - early arrivals and latecomers - got exactly the same, the love of their Master and Lord. There are not various degrees of that love. It is always 100 per cent. God is love, he cannot not love - totally. Every time we fall, we should remember these words with gratitude. Thank heavens for the justice of God!