A WORD FOR TODAY 23 AUGUST 2023

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*A WORD FOR TODAY*

*HIS GENEROSITY, NOT OUR MERIT!*

_"Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received a denarius.”(Matthew 20:10)_

_*Dear friend, there are several ways to look at the readings of the day which describe the nature of the Kingdom of God and God’s dealings with his people. One of such is the theme of ‘God’s generosity and man’s merit. The psalms pass on the message that God is extremely generous and blesses man lavishly. In the Gospel we see the same theme: God rewards all the labourers in his vineyard equally despite the difference in time and effort employed.*_

_The God whom we serve is so good that he gives rain and sun to all. The blessings of God are always there and so that is not what makes the difference in the rate of success and progress we can notice in the world, especially among God’s children. What makes the difference is the different depths of responses we give to God’s blessings, especially the blessing of his word and our talents._

_*Once the labourers in the Gospel were ready to engage with the kingdom, they were blessed by God who is the vineyard owner in the Gospel of the day. It was the attitude or readiness of all the labourers that helped them qualify. It was not the work they did. However, what is silent is the many beautiful qualities of the early comers which will ensure they prospered with the generous reward they received.*_

_Those without the spirit of diligence, hardwork and punctuality will certainly not go far no matter how generous God is to them_

_*Dear friend, what we get from God is based on his generosity and not our merit. Even if we were to merit anything, it will be unjust since neither the strength, ability or talent by which we intend to merit anything was created by us. All we have we have received, all things including our very existence and life. This thought should make us humble and so appreciate the generosity of God.*_

_As we go out today, let us be rest assured that the generosity of God abounds even today. In reciprocation, let us respond generously by using our gifts and talents properly so that they may bear fruit in our life._

_*Good morning dearest one. Peace be with you! Smile😊as you do your work. Thank God for his mercies so far. And may the Almighty God bless you: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.*_

*Meditation:* Judges 9:6–15 /Psalm /21:2–3, 4–5, 6–7/ Matthew 20:1–16

*Watch-Word:* For you welcomed him with goodly blessings, you placed on his head a crown of pure gold.

_*The Lord is generous. His goodness does not depend on our merits.*_

(Wednesday of the Twentieth week in ordinary time.)

*© Rev. Fr. Augustine Eleke*