When unpleasant or negative things happen to us, it is easy to lose hope and become disillusioned.

Joseph was kidnapped by his brothers and sold into slavery - it seemed like the end for him. What hope was there for him in the future? But when we follow his adventures, we see his rise to power and prominence in Egypt.

He was able to save his entire family when a famine came to the land. He realised that everything that had happened to him had a purpose and reason. During his trials, he never forgot God and always made the best of his situation. All works for good for those who love God.

The parable of the vineyard is about humanity. Instead of being grateful, too many people refuse to give anything back to God and go their own independent way. All God asks is that we accept the gifts we are given and use them wisely for the benefit of all, especially the common good.

The people in the parable abuse and mistreat the vineyard owner's messengers and even kill his son. We are all part of God's history, and we are all connected to one another.

Ingratitude and selfishness describe what we call hell. Love and service, on the other hand, describe heaven. We have been given a lifetime to work in God's vineyard. The choice is ours.