The Sunday Sermon Archive

Dear Friends in Christ,

Once again, Our Holy Mother the Church reminds us not to be envious or jealous of others or of what others have or are given. The Gospel reading for today (Matthew 20:1-16) is of the laborers in the vineyard. Each was called at different hours and labored to various degrees, but all were rewarded equally. At first glance, we sense an injustice or unfairness in these events; however, there is much more for us to consider.

We are reminded once again of what was mentioned in last week's sermon, "to whom much is given, much is required." Let us see if we can find some justice in this apparent inequality. Each received a day's wage, but not everyone worked a full day in the vineyard. At the extremes, some worked the whole day, while others worked only an hour.

The man who was hired first was assured that he would have a day's wage at the end of the day. He did not have to worry or be anxious about whether he would have anything to take home at the end of the day. Though he was required to labor physically and bear this bodily burden, his soul, heart, and mind were at peace, assured that he had a job and would be justly compensated for his work. The man who was hired at the last hour may not have spent the day in physical labor, but he was burdened with spiritual cares, worries, and anxieties throughout the day. How could he provide for his family if no one hired him? What shame and humiliation to be unable to provide for his family.

Physical labor often frees the heart and mind from many concerns, and in this way, it is much better to be busy rather than to be idle. While the idle hands are empty, the soul is presented with many crosses and labors. It is humorously suggested that some people work harder to avoid work than they would have if they had done the job.

To be healthy and well-balanced, we need time for our souls to pray, think, and meditate, but we also need time to use our bodies through physical activities. Without enough physical activity, we can easily fall into the evils of spiritual extremes. Too much time in our heads and not enough time working our bodies leads us to sadness, loneliness, or despair; or, on the other extreme, we easily fall prey to presumption.

Being able to work is a great grace, but it needs to be balanced with rest so that our hearts, minds, and souls can get some exercise. Too much physical activity at the expense of our spiritual lives leads to monotony, emptiness, melancholy, and boredom, or, at the other extreme, to avarice and greed.

It is imperative in our world today that we seriously consider how we are living our lives. Is it our goal to live our lives in constant physical labor — always bringing the job home, or is it our goal to live our lives idly, in constant avoiding, shunning, and seeking to escape every physical labor that we are called upon to do?

We have seen many spend their working days dreaming of the day they can retire from their physical labor. Some spend their retirement in idleness and soon their health — physically, mentally, and spiritually — quite rapidly deteriorates. Others find other pursuits to keep themselves busy, perhaps even busier than they were at their previous work. The wise ones also allow for some rest and time for their souls, but also moderately work their bodies as well.

It is very sad to see our youth inspired to seek lives of complete physical idleness. This is both unhealthy for their bodies and for their souls. This physical idleness is the door that lets in all the temptations that the demons keep in store for us. Physical inactivity causes us physical pain because we were made to move — to work. Rather than see the problem as our lack of movement, the demonic suggestion is that we need to take drugs to dull our pain. This leads to more or greater physical inactivity. Dulling pain usually has the side effect of dulling our minds as well. We can easily become dull-witted and then become toys or playthings in the hands of demons.

There is also the opposite temptation for our youth to pursue a life of ceaseless physical exercise and activity that almost invariably shortens their lives. They leave no time for their souls. They are sacrificing themselves for the "minute of fame." Pride and vanity leave them miserable, sad, and empty. Hopefully, they will learn from King Solomon that all these things are: "Vanity of vanities and all is vanity. A chase after the wind."

It is the perfect life when we can turn our physical work into prayer by doing it for the love of God. And turn our prayer into our life's work — always seeking to make it better. Our focus should be on the quality of our work and prayers, rather than the quantity. We are both body and soul, and we need to balance both in our lives if we are to find true happiness in this world, but more importantly, find true happiness in Heaven.

May the Immaculate Heart of Mary inspire, guide, and protect us!

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