Today’s Gospel inspires us with hope, for all of us—all—at some point have said “no” to our Father’s will, but we have always been given the opportunity to repent, to turn back and serve in His vineyard. How many times in our life did we fail to do what was right, what was holy, what was necessary—to go into the vineyard—and regret it? And when we repented of that choice, or thought better of it before making a definitive one, it may have been difficult or even crucifying, but ultimately far better than the alternative. For as last week’s Gospel related, if we do not work even an hour in the vineyard, we shall not receive a wage. Imagine how difficult it must have been for a tax collector in the time of Jesus, or a prostitute, to not only come to terms with having not entered into the vineyard, but to turn back, walk away from their entire way of life, and live a new one.
Imagine likewise their eventual joy.