In the Christian community, specifically the local congregation, it's not uncommon to have four, and sometimes even five generations of people worshiping and interacting together. From the newborn infant to the elder saint in his or her nineties, we are one community united in the gospel. Age doesn't matter. What matters is the common faith we hold and that together we grow in that faith as we learn from one another. There are very few other places where such interaction takes place across the generations. What a blessing!
In the Body of Christ, not only do we have a variety of gifts, we have a variety of "tenures." And it is not simply based on age. Some come to faith early in life, some later. Some are life-long members of a congregation, others are brand new to the community. This variety of tenure is also a blessing and keeps the church vibrant.
Since we all enter God's kingdom by God's grace alone, none of us can claim to be "owed" something more from God. And since we all need forgiveness every day, none of us is more deserving than another, regardless of age. That seems to be the point of this parable. How long we are in the Kingdom is secondary. What matters is that, by the grace of God, we are called to be workers in the vineyard, the Kingdom of God. To quote this morning's prayer, "Lord, unite us as we serve in Your name, veterans and newcomers alike." Amen
The example of long-term church members and brand new servants in a church (or any ministry) working side by side, growing in faith together and learning from each other, helps to put this teaching into perspective. Thanks for the reminder that church is a place where the variety of gifts, ages and experiences is unique and valuable.
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