Thought for the week:​​

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Paul writes, “For to me, to live is Christ.”

The situation he finds himself in is uncertain, yet what matters to Paul is that his life belongs to Jesus and in that he can be confident.

Jesus’ story of the workers in the vineyard takes us further. Some work all day, others only an hour, yet the landowner is equally generous to them. Those who have worked longest really think this is unfair. But Jesus is showing us that God’s kingdom is built on grace, God’s love and generosity towards us, not on what we think we have earned.

That can be difficult. We easily compare ourselves with others: what we have done, how long we have served, or whether someone else has received more than us. Jesus invites us instead simply to be thankful for all that God gives us.

Paul had discovered that freedom. Life was no longer about what he might receive in return, but about belonging to Christ.

God’s grace is not a wage we earn, but a gift we receive — and there is always enough for everyone. MM