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There is little room for misunderstandings in this parable. I am sure the Pharisees and Scribes who heard this story for the first time must have bristled in annoyance as they knew Jesus was referring to them. This parable speaks to us today as well.

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I have often asked this question, If your faith became illegal, would there be enough evidence for your neighbor’s to convict you? This question is adapted from a question asked by John Wooden, a deeply religious basketball coach in 1997. This question highlights the deeper question about how much our faith impacts our daily life choices. I am reminded of this question when I reflect on the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. This parable challenges our understanding of justice and mercy. It is a challenging parable. We may find ourselves more sympathetic to the workers who had worked all day and less so to those who only worked for an hour. I am reminded of the parable of the prodigal son found in Luke 15:11-32. I have given workshops on forgiveness and have used this parable to describe God’s forgiveness. I have noticed however that many people are more sympathetic to the eldest son, the responsible one, the one who stayed home and worked in his father’s fields than the son receiving his father’s merciful forgiveness.

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In today’s Gospel Peter asks a question to Jesus, how many times does one forgive someone? Excellent question, to paraphrase Peter, Jesus is asked about the limits of forgiveness. Jesus poetically points out that forgiveness is limitless to anyone following him. This answer is not surprising; as Jesus frequently spoke about forgiveness. One of the last statements he made before his death on the cross is the prayer, “forgive them father for they do not know what they are doing”! Forgiveness in various forms is found in all major religions. Christianity is no different. I have spoken about forgiveness in this podcast. I invite my listeners to check out the editions on April 20, 2026, November 9, 2025, and February 16, 2025, for insights on forgiveness.

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