The First Shall Be Last and the Last Will Be First
Father Hugh Gillespie, SMM
The First Shall Be Last and the Last Will Be First
The prophet Ezekiel is not always very popular.
In the first reading (not included within this audio), the prophet’s words might be considered harsh … even considered by some as kicking someone when they are down.
The prophet speaks to the people of Israel. These people have been deported as the result of war. Instead of a word of kindness, the prophet rebukes the Jewish people. Not to all people, but a rebuke to the shepherds. A rebuke of the priests. A rebuke of the rulers and nobles.
The Lord says, through the prophet, there is no getting back up, until you realize why you fell in the first place. Hear more in the Homily and understand its implications for our own spiritual journey.
The Lord says, through the prophet Ezekiel, if I took you back to Israel today, what would change? You are not looking to heal your heart. You are looking to go back to the way things were. The Lord is talking to the shepherds and people in key positions. The Lord says he will raise up new shepherds, who’ll hear the Lord’s voice. Hear more in the Homily.
We see the fulfillment of this prophesy in the Gospel. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He calls His Apostles.
The First Will Be Last and the Last Will Be First: French Artist and Painter: James Tissot: 1886
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The First …
In today’s Gospel we hear Jesus telling us a parable. The story of workers standing in the marketplace. The field owner goes to the marketplace several times throughout the day, to hire workers for his field. The First will be Last and the Last will be First.
The Lord comes, as He tells us the parable, and some are ready at the first hour. The workers are looking to work productively. They are prepared and ready. There is a double meaning in the parable. This first group, from early in their lives have learned to pray and learned to seek the Lord. When the Lord comes, He gives these people something to do. He employs them. He shepherds them to His field, gives work for which they will be rewarded.
The landowner, the Lord, has a large field, so He goes to the marketplace and employs others throughout the day. This is similar to how many of us obtain faith at different stages of our lives. Hear more in this Homily.
Interesting. Are we surprised that we see the Lord has such a large field? Or are we surprised by the number of people walking aimlessly until the Lord comes and puts them to work? Is this message for us, or for people across the years of time?
The landowner, the Lord, is generous. Not only in the rewards he gives people throughout the day, but to provide the dignity of employing the people.
Hear how this parable impacts our Spiritual Journey! Listen to this Meditation Media.
