Holy Wednesday – April 16, 2025

The Invitation to Generosity

Joanne Noel

Scripture Reading: Matthew 20:1–16 (The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard)

On this day of Holy Week, we remember a woman who anoints Jesus with an extravagant perfume, and that God’s generosity doesn’t conform to human ideas of fairness (Matt 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9; Luke 7:36–50; John 11:2; 12:1–8).

“It’s only fair” is a common statement in preschool classrooms, as children struggle to take turns and maneuver their way through the complexities of social-emotional development. Some children are rule followers. They work hard all day, seeking the tiniest reward: a sticker, a compliment, pride. Some children cannot align—they waste materials and are sometimes destructive—yet they are rewarded equally for the smallest accomplishment.

The same can often be said of adults who are struggling to get by but are still generous, while others have it easy and give nothing—similar to the workers in the vineyard and even those who witnessed the “wasted” ointment. Was it fair that some worked hard all day while others hardly worked, yet they were all rewarded the same? Was it fair that wastefulness was rewarded over charity?

Is life fair? Does everyone get a trophy in today’s society? Maybe—but isn’t that the point of a merciful world? A world where everyone can be saved, regardless of how long they have worked for the reward. Perhaps some of us are rule followers, in life and in faith, finding peace in knowing what’s right. While others have been working harder than any of us to find the peace that comes to us easily—fighting their indiscretions, dependencies, and wastefulness, desperate to do what’s right.

God generously teaches us to be merciful, as we might one day need and receive mercy ourselves.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy (Matt 5:7).

Prayer: God of mercy, you always give more than I expect. Your kindness isn’t about what’s fair—it’s about love that never runs out. Sometimes I want things to add up neatly, but your grace doesn’t work like that. When I feel like I’ve earned something from you, remind me it’s all a gift. When I feel left out or unseen, remind me you never forget me. Let your Spirit soften my heart so I can be glad when others are blessed and hold what I have with joy and thanks. Help me live with wonder, not comparison—with mercy, not measure. Make me generous like you. Amen.