You can never be late with God

In a prayer to God, Saint Augustine once said, “Late have I loved you, Beauty ever ancient and ever new.” Augustine, who came to faith later in life, was like the latecomers in today’s parable, who worked only the last hour of the day. Yet, God’s generosity to Augustine was just as abundant as to those who found faith earlier. Augustine deeply experienced God’s gracious and merciful love.

God’s relationship with us isn’t based on what we’ve earned or deserve. His generous love is a pure gift, not a reward for our efforts. We serve the Lord from morning to night, not to earn His love, but in gratitude for the love He’s already given us, long before we could do anything.

Dear friends, with God, it’s never too late. God’s generosity goes beyond the limits of human justice, as seen in this morning’s gospel. It’s never too late to turn to Jesus, to dedicate yourself to Him. It’s never too late to move from being a bad shepherd, as mentioned in the first reading, to becoming a good shepherd who cares for their flock. May God grant us the heart to reflect His generosity and to never feel that we are too late.

Peace be with you!