SCRIPTURE READINGS
Twenty-fifth Sunday, September 20, 2026

Biblical Readings Online Here 
(Year A in the three-year cycle of readings)  

Sunday congregations are understandably puzzled and sometimes disappointed by the Gospel, instinctively sympathizing with the full-day laborers who received no more than the last-minute workers who barely raised a sweat. Something in us cries out, “This is not fair! Why do we have to listen to Gospel and ruin a perfectly good Sunday?” It is worth looking at this Gospel more carefully as well as the other two readings to find an explanation.

The first reading, from Isaiah, warns us not to be surprised at divine teaching that seem contrary to common sense: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways — For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (Hebrew “thoughts” can just as easily be translated “intent.”) The parable, then, deliberately challenges our intentions, customary ways of thinking – God’s thoughts are not always our thoughts. And the second reading, a letter to St. Paul’s favorite Christian community in the city of Philippi, shows the difficulty of choosing as well as thinking in this life. Paul is caught between two good choices: either leaving this life to be with Christ or remaining in this life leading the community. 

To return to the vineyard. To be shocked is an opportunity to be taught. The most accurate title for the parable is “The Generous Landowner” rather than “The Laborers in the Vineyard.” Its details reflect the economics of the time. The denarius was the basic day’s wage. As the workers are paid, we hearers share the expectations of the early workers that they will receive more. After all, they have borne the heat of the day. But the landowner’s answer reveals a God desirous to be as generous as possible with the gift of salvation. In the long run, God gives salvation as an unmerited gift. Whether human beings have “worked” long or little for the reward is not the most decisive thing.

Let our prayer be that to recognize that God’s ways are not our ways, because His kindness is lavished equally upon all. We welcome His mercy toward others, even as we hope to receive mercy ourselves.

Richard Clifford, S.J., has taught biblical studies for 55 years, most recently at the Clough School of Theology and Ministry, Boston College, and has written many scholarly and popular books and articles.