0:00
Welcome to the Anglican parish of St Andrews Wimbledon where I serve as vicar
0:12
Something we human beings of all cultures tune into from a very young age is justice
0:17
In the playground at home, wherever we are, we cry out, that's not fair
0:22
Jesus tells a story in the Gospels that challenges our sense of fairness. There's a landowner who hires workers for his vineyards early in the day
0:30
and then right throughout the day, right up until the end of the day. And when evening comes, everyone gets the same daily wage
0:39
The early workers grumble, that's not fair. But the landowner replies, don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money
0:47
Or are you envious because I'm generous? Now, I realise he hasn't let anyone down
0:53
Everyone got at least what they were owed. but some got even more than they strictly deserved
0:59
The striking thing about the Christian gospel is that God doesn't simply give justice
1:04
giving people what they're owed. He also offers grace, giving us better than we deserve
1:11
And in a world of comparison, envy and conflict, Jesus Christ offers a different way
1:18
Grace to those who came early in the day, grace to those who came late
1:22
But for those of us who think we're more hardworking and deserve more from God
1:28
Jesus' question still bites. Are you envious because I am generous
