In last Sunday’s gospel and in today’s, Jesus paints a portrait of his heavenly Father which contrasts sharply with the image usually projected by the leaders of Israel. He is a father who forgives and expects his children to forgive likewise; and he bestows his gifts as he sees fit, not as people expect. One can sympathise with the workers who started in the vineyard first thing. However, Jesus is speaking of a God who welcomes even latecomers. He was speaking to an audience which included Scribes and Pharisees who would have seen themselves as the early-bird labourers.They were members of an exclusive club who alone were favoured by God.
In Luke 15:11-32 the Prodigal Son strays away from his father and then returns. His father is always on the lookout for him and rejoices when his son arrives back. He doesn’t even question his motives. The thief crucified beside Jesus, who on his own admission was a criminal, at the last moment of his life begged to be remembered; and Jesus promised him Paradise. He had come into the vineyard at the eleventh hour but still received the reward.
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his love endures forever” (psalm 117).