Jesus Christ is extraordinarily generous. Not only does he give us life, hope and redemption, he offers us, too, the gift of everlasting life. He even allows as, as "co-workers in the vineyard," to cooperate in the economy of salvation.
Work gives us dignity. And Christ invites us to participate in the greatest work of all: the building up of his kingdom here on earth. We do this by contributing to the "work of salvation;" by living above and beyond the vices of worldly selfishness, greed and envy. And by being satisfied with our "wages."
There are many who grumble against God, "the generous landowner." They lose sight of the fact that they have been blessed beyond measure. Their vision, instead, is clouded by a longing for human accolades and earthly glory.
They whine because others are more successful. They envy the good fortune of neighbors. They are blessed beyond measure, but still are not satisfied.
Remember, though, that God's blessings never satisfy selfish desires. Our egos (the center of our selfish desires) are gluttons for human recognition and worldly goods... but they are starved by God's grace.
To be a disciple of Christ is lifelong lesson in humility and selflessness.
Our Lord is infinitely wealthy in life-giving grace and his treasury is as open to us as it is abundant. Whenever we are tempted to be envious because he is so generous with others, we have to take stock, re-assess and recognize that the blessings we have been given are just.
Rejoice in your blessings! Cooperate with God's good grace! "Take your earnings and go" and never lose sight of the fact that, on God's payroll, "the last will be first, and the first, last."
