25A Sunday homily (20 September 2026) The parable of the workers in the vineyard

 

25A SUNDAY HOMILY, MATTHEW 20: 1-20  SEPTEMBER 20, 2026

By Fr Vincent Corbelli, MM

 

1. STORY

Three friends lived next to each other.  Mr. A’s house was worth 3 million dollars, Mr. B’s house was 2 million, and Mr. C’s house was one million.

Mr. A’s son asked his father if he would sell his house if a buyer offered him 4 million.  His father said he would.  The next day Mr. A received an offer of 5 million for his house from a buyer named Mr. G.  He was thrilled with this most generous offer and sold his house immediately, praising the generosity of the buyer, Mr. G.  The following week, Mr. B also sold his house to Mr. G for 5 million, and he also praised Mr. G for his generosity.  When he informed Mr. A that Mr. G bought his house for 5 million, Mr. A immediately reacted angrily accusing Mr. G of being unfair.  Finally, Mr. C sold his house and informed Mr. A and Mr. B that Mr. G bought his house for 5 million.  Then both became angry at Mr. G and accused him of being unjust.  Mr. G was very just and most generous as Jesus was in the parable of the workers in the Vineyard.

 

2. GOSPEL: MATTHEW 20:1-20

A. GOD IS JUST

The owner of the vineyard, who symbolized God, was just.  He gave each one what was fair.  All received a just wage for the work they did.  “I will pay you whatever is fair.”

B. GOD IS GENEROUS

God not only gave what was just, he was generous in giving much more than some deserved.  This caused some to be envious.  Jesus asked, “Are you envious because I am generous?”

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. GOD IS GENEROUS

God gives us this beautiful world as our home.  God gives us our life.  He gives us eyes to see, ears to her, a mouth to speak, hands to use, and feet to walk.  He gives us a mind to think and a memory to remember.  He gives us air to breathe, water to drink, and food to eat.  He gives us Jesus to save us.  He gives us his word to teach us how to live.  He gives us the Eucharist as spiritual food.  He gives us forgiveness when we have sinned.  He gives us eternal life. God is truly generous.

B. GOD WANTS US TO BE GENEROUS

God wants us to share the blessings we have received with those who need.  Here are five ways we can be generous.

i) Pray for one in need.

ii) Give a smile to cheer up a sad person.

iii) Give a compliment of a word of encouragement.

iv) Give some of your time to help a needy person.

v) Give your forgiveness to someone who has offended you.  When we follow God’s example of being generous, we bring happiness to others and to ourselves.

 

4. CONCLUSION

The home buyer, Mr. G, was more than generous to the three home owners.  Yet two were unhappy because they were envious.  The workers in the vineyard were all given a fair wage but some were unhappy.  They were envious because the owner of the vineyard was not only just but he also was generous.  God is generous to us, and he wants us to be generous towards others.  In following God’s example, we make others happy and also make ourselves happy.