20th Week in Ordinary Time : Wednesday 20th August 2025

Jotham gave the leaders a satire of the trees choosing a king to warn of the dangers of elevating unworthy individuals to positions of power. It is not always favourable and rewarding that the most ambitious and seemingly available individual is the best choice for leadership. The bramble’s willingness to rule doesn’t indicate fitness for leadership, it becomes a puppet king as wanted by the people for a self-serving desire for power. This lesson contrasts with the ideal of a righteous and just leader, as exemplified by Gideon’s son, Jotham, who delivers this satirical parable.

Today,Jesus presented the parableofthevineyardlaborers to highlight the immensity of God’s grace and the unexpected nature of His favour. The landowner hires laborers at different times of the day, promising each the same wage at the end of the day. However, those who worked the longest are upset that those who worked the shortest time receive equal pay. The landowner defends his generosity, stating his right to be generous with his own resources. Here Jesus provokes our minds and hearts that human effort or merit is not the main determinant of divine favour. It emphasizes that God’s grace is available to all, regardless of their perceived contribution or length of service.

To conclude, outward ambition doesn’t equal fitness for leadership and God’s grace and favour are not earned through human effort or merit.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, You call us to duty, may our efforts reflect the gratitude we have of Your trust in us.