The parable about the workers getting the same pay, regardless of their time at work, IS NOT about the number of hours spent in sainthood, but about the value of the human being to God, who is not interested in whatever self esteem one might have.
The Jews prided themselves in their good achievements, but they were a pain to live with. They were narcissists. But the workers who recieved the same wage at the end of the day, for less work, represented people who are grateful for what they get, because they don't feel they deserve it.
But the parable also teaches that no one should feel that they are shut out of heaven, because when they recieve it, none of whatever transpired on earth will be significant anyway.
The Jews prided themselves in their good achievements, but they were a pain to live with. They were narcissists. But the workers who recieved the same wage at the end of the day, for less work, represented people who are grateful for what they get, because they don't feel they deserve it.
But the parable also teaches that no one should feel that they are shut out of heaven, because when they recieve it, none of whatever transpired on earth will be significant anyway.
