"a priceless recompense"

Ave Maria! Yesterday's gospel about the workers in the vineyard all receiving the same wage, regardless of how many hours they put in (Matthew 20:1-16a), was a source of much prayer and reflection for me throughout the day. In particular, I kept mulling over what Pope Benedict XVI said three years ago when this particular gospel was last proclaimed in church on a Sunday: "To be able to work in the Lord’s vineyard, to put oneself at his service, to collaborate in his work, is in itself a priceless recompense that repays every effort." (Angelus, 9/21/08)

That kept bringing me to this line in the Eucharist Prayer II: "We thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you."

Or, as it will be prayed when we begin using the revised Roman Missal the first Sunday of Advent: "...giving thanks that you have held us worthy to be in your presence and minister to you."

The honor of working in the vineyard of the Lord is ours, thanks to His gracious gift and wondrous grace. To be called by Him to do His work in accordance with His will is indeed our lasting joy and great reward, even now. May the glory be all His, now and forever!  Amen!  Alleluia!