Dom Frei Manoel Delson Pedreira da Cruz writes reflection

Bishop Manoel Delson Pedreira da Cruz, OFMCap, wrote a reflection on the parable of the workers in the vineyard to describe how God reaches out to people in moments of isolation.

The bishop explains that the vineyard owner actively seeks out those standing idle in the square. He suggests the square represents states of loneliness, discouragement, sin, or a loss of purpose. According to the bishop, God calls people out of this solitude to enter into communion, the life of the Church, and the mission of service.

The reflection notes that God offers eternal life as a gift of grace rather than a reward based on merit or length of service. The bishop states that even when individuals feel they have arrived too late, grace provides a new beginning for anyone who accepts the call to serve.