Queue jumpers

Jesus, spinner of many improbable

and awkward yarns,

once told a story about vineyard workers.

The workforce grew steadily

as more pickers were recruited

at various points throughout the day.
In the end, the undeserving latecomers

are treated with generosity,

while the twelve-hour labourers

merely get what is fair.

The indignation engendered

by the travelling teacher man

sees his polite audience shaking their heads

in disbelief.

And with the way he put his tale together,

the heat-of-the-day workers,

can’t even complain that the lucky ones

are queue-jumpers.

We, who are theologically informed,

understand that this story is all about divine grace,

improbable and outrageous.

Two millennia on

such generosity still offends.

Unless, of course, it is extended to ourselves.

We, as everyone can see,

are deserving.

© Ken Rookes 2014