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Welcome to the Anglican parish of St Andrews Wimbledon where I serve as vicar
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Something we human beings of all cultures tune into from a very young age is justice
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In the playground at home, wherever we are, we cry out, that's not fair
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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
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and then right throughout the day, right up until the end of the day. And when evening comes, everyone gets the same daily wage
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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
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Or are you envious because I'm generous? Now, I realise he hasn't let anyone down
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Everyone got at least what they were owed. but some got even more than they strictly deserved
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The striking thing about the Christian gospel is that God doesn't simply give justice
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giving people what they're owed. He also offers grace, giving us better than we deserve
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And in a world of comparison, envy and conflict, Jesus Christ offers a different way
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Grace to those who came early in the day, grace to those who came late
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But for those of us who think we're more hardworking and deserve more from God
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Jesus' question still bites. Are you envious because I am generous