For the list of Gospel passages used in Years A,B and C click here

After Pentecost     Pentecost 15     Matthew 20:1-16

The Labourers in the Vineyard (YA No 68)

God’s kingdom was the focus

Whenever Jesus taught.

The people heard of freedom;

The message they all sought.

He used familiar customs,

The life-style that they knew

To tell of God’s intention

For everything we do.

 

As we hear the story

God’s kingdom comes close by.

It will appear

For those who hear

To charm and edify.

 

Quite early in the morning

He hired men each day;

This owner of a vineyard

Set normal rates of pay.

But as the evening hastened

He went to hire more;

For men still stood there idle

As others had before.

 

As we hear the story

God’s kingdom comes close by.

It will appear

For those who hear

To prompt the question, ‘Why?’

 

Now when the day was ended

Those hired last were paid.

Imagine their amazement

At payments they were made.

Though working just one hour,

(They could not take it in.)

They got a full day’s wages.

“Where does one’s thanks begin?”

 

As we hear the story

God’s kingdom comes quite near.

A gen’rous deed

Can sow a seed;

For those who wish to hear.

 

The labourers, who worked through

The blazing midday sun,

Expected from the owner,

For all the work they’d done,

A comprehensive increase

On what had been agreed;

The owner did not listen;

Their claims he did not heed.


As we hear the story 

God’s Kingdom is expressed.

We must discern

We cannot earn

The love with which we’re blest.


 The owner asked those workers

To search their hearts and mind.

“Why must you be so jealous

Because I have been kind?

I paid you all fair wages;

I gave this guarantee.

But if, as well, I’m gracious -

That’s what I choose to be!


Deep within this story

God’s reign is bountiful.

Grace lies beyond

The justice pond,

An ocean, wonderful! 


           Tune  Wir Pflugen  AHB 59  TiS 130

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