The whole point of this parable is God's lavish generosity. Yet, sometimes we think that in God's generosity and mercy, God ought to pay more attention to human work and struggle and merit when it comes to giving rewards.
Sometimes it seems God doesn't distribute his rewards fairly. You could never run a business this way. But, then, this parable isn't about running a business. This parable is about the Kingdom of God.
A person of royal blood has an obligation. You are expected to have a certain nobility about you, a certain refinement, a certain education.
In its ancient meaning, royal status also meant have a concern for the people of your kingdom. As part of nobility, you were expected to care for them - to demonstrate concern, generosity and kindness, to live up to who you are.
Through baptism, we become part of the royal household of God. As God's children, we are made to be generous as God is generous, to be forgiving as God is forgiving, to love as God Loves. We are made to include the whole human family as our concern, just as god reaches out to embrace the whole world.
You are made in the image and likeness of God. you are part of the royal household of god. Are you living up to the responsibilities of who you are?
- Little Burgundy Book, Diocese of Saginaw