Then Jesus concluded the parable, saying: “So[1] shall the last be first[2], and the first, last; for many are called[3], but few are chosen.”
COMMENTARY.
“So shall the last be first.” These words are addressed in the first place to the Jews, who ought to have been the very first to enter into Christ’s new kingdom, because the promises were made to them, and they (the many) were all called. In the next place and in a wider sense they are addressed to all men and have a double meaning, a) Many of those who, according to time, are the first to be called, will be the last to receive their reward, having to suffer a long time in Purgatory in expiation of their laxity and lukewarmness on earth; whereas those called later may, on account of their zeal, be received sooner into the kingdom of heaven, b) Many who on earth were esteemed by others to be first, and were first by reason of their position, will enjoy the lowest degree of heavenly happiness; whereas many who were despised and thought very little of on earth will receive in heaven the highest degree of reward.
In the parable the master of the house is God: the market-place is the world: the vineyard is God’s kingdom on earth, the Church: the steward is our Lord Jesus Christ: the labourers in the vineyard are the faithful, who are called by God to believe the one true faith and to live in accordance with it: the day of work is the life-time of men on earth; and the pence signify the eternal reward of the Vision of God in heaven. Almighty God calls us at different times to work in His vineyard. Some He calls in the early morning, as little children; others, boys and girls, He calls at the sixth hour; others He calls when they are full-grown men and women; and many He calls at the eleventh hour, quite in the evening of life, or old age. The paying of the wages takes place at the close of the day, at the end of our lives, when, after death, those whom God called late in life will receive an everlasting reward as well as those called earlier, if only they, like the labourers in the vineyard, obeyed God’s voice when He did call them, and worked with perseverance, living according to their faith, even unto the end of the day.
- ↑ So. As in this parable.
- ↑ The last be first. The first to receive their reward. But many receive no reward at all, for many are called (to believe), but few (in comparison with the number called) are chosen (to be saved).
- ↑ Many are called. He said this to warn the apostles against falling into a state of false security on account of His promises, and looking on their reception into heaven as a certainty. Many who, according to time, were the first to be called to follow Christ, might be in the very lowest rank of those judged by Him, for the time of our call signifies nothing; it is only final perseverance which will avail us. Judas was among the first to be called, and yet he lost his soul!
