Any parent can testify that a common complaint for a child is “that’s not fair.” “She got a bigger piece of pie than I did. That’s not fair.” Much of the turmoil is society happens because of the perception that the system is unfair, tilted toward those who already have. It is no surprise, therefore, that fairness comes up in the spiritual life as well. We are tempted to think that it’s only fair that so much effort earns you so much grace. But that is not how God thinks. God gives gifts which are unasked and unearned. In our English (mis)translation of the liturgy the word “merit” is sometimes used, e.g. “that we may merit eternal life.” We don’t merit anything. All is a gift. We can become as petulant at perceived unfairness just as the workers in the parable did when others receive blessings that we think we merit . But God answers, you are given all that you need. ‘Are you envious because I am generous?’ When gratitude is our starting point instead of fairness we are closer to the mind of Christ.
