20TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

They grumbled against the landowner. 

Teddy Roosevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Looking at today’s Gospel (Matthew 20:1-16), we can see a perfect example of just that phenomenon. The workers hired first were satisfied with the wage they had agreed on. But when they saw other workers who had labored only an hour getting paid the same, their outlook changed. Now their original agreement seemed unfair. Now they were dissatisfied and unable to take pleasure in a good day’s work at a fair wage. Comparison stole their joy.

Of course, we make comparisons all the time. We learn how to improve by watching someone more skilled. We change our strategy after seeing someone else succeed. And that can be healthy.

But there is an unhealthy kind of comparison as well. When we look at someone and conclude that they are more beautiful or smarter or more talented than we are, jealousy can creep in. When we notice someone who seems more successful or richer, we become discontented with our own lives. Instead of seeing the gifts that God has given us and thinking about developing them, we focus on getting what someone else has. We might even feel worthless. In the end, we are not seeing ourselves as God sees us, and that robs us of joy.

That’s what makes comparison such an effective tool of the devil. As long as our eyes are on what we lack or on the ways we don’t think we measure up, we are blinded to the good things God has done for us. We start grumbling against him instead of thanking him for the ways he has blessed us. We might even start resenting the person who seems to have more than we do. In the end, we may question whether God even loves us.

So beware of unhealthy comparison in your life. If you find yourself going down that road, ask the Lord to help you turn around. Break the downward spiral of discontent by writing down a blessing you’ve received. Or take a minute to praise God for creating you and sustaining you. Trade grumbling for gratitude, and you will start to find joy right where you are.

“Thank you, Lord, for all blessings you’ve given me! Give me a grateful and joyful heart.”

Judges 9:6-15
Psalm 21:2-7
Matthew 20:1-16

WORD AMONG US