This Gospel Study is from Matthew 20:1-16. Jesus tells the parable of the landowner who hires workers for his vineyard throughout the day, but when the time comes to pay them an argument ensues. Those hired in the morning resented being paid the same as those hired later in the day. The landowner reminds them that they agreed to work for the wage he paid them and he can pay the others what he wishes. Matthew 20:1-16a Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Going out about nine o’clock, the landowner saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and he said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.’ So they went off. And he went out again around noon, and around three o’clock, and did likewise. Going out about five o’clock, the landowner found others standing around, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ They answered, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into my vineyard.’ When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.’ When those who had started about five o’clock came, each received the usual daily wage. So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage. And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying, ‘These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day’s burden and the heat.’ He said to one of them in reply, ‘My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?’ Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” The Gospel of the Lord. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Lectionary for Mass: For Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America (vol. I–IV, Second Typical Edition.; United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1998–2002). A gospel teaching by Fr. Jim Willig for Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, September 20, 2026 — Matthew 20:1-16. Heart to Heart Catholic Media Ministry Evangelize Seekers. Inspire Believers. Foster Disciples. -- Join Heart to Heart: htoh.us/subscribe Support Heart to Heart: htoh.us/donate
