又是一個誤信「多勞多得」謬論的例子。錯誤在於我們把世人認為的公義，硬套到天主身上，局限著天主，按人的公義行事。
翻開聖經，我們發覺到天主的公義，不單局限在「賞善罰惡」之中，而是呈現在祂的慈悲和救恩之中。例如，「我的正義要迅速降臨，我的救恩業已出現。」（依51:5）「因為我的救恩就要來到，我的正義就要出現。」（56:1）這些對偶的句子，把天主的正義，等同了祂的拯救。即是說，天主的正義，彰顯在祂的救贖之中。因為我們是按祂的肖像所造（創1:26）在祂所有的創造中，我們是祂手上的傑作。因此，倘若祂任憑我們在罪惡中自生自滅，天主便是不義。所以，天主的拯救，不但顯示了祂的慈悲，更顯示了祂的公義！這個拯救，就是比喻中的「德納」。
我們不可能憑一己之力賺取救贖，微不足道的十二小時工作，又怎能賺取永生呢？救恩是天主白白的施捨，是遠超於我們勞動的價值。所以，不要妒忌那些為了奶粉麵粉領洗的人、或者洗禮後毫無「建樹」的長者們，甚至是那些臨終領洗的人。這是天主的慷慨，我們沒有資格眼紅（瑪20:15）！
天主賞善罰惡，所以是公義的，這是不爭的真理。我們姑且不談「罰惡」，祗思考「賞善」。假如你工作了十二小時，盡量發揮天父所賜予的塔冷通。另一個人祇工作了一小時，沒有盡用天父所賜予的才幹（瑪20:7）。兩者比較，高下立見，當然是你的『善』比他的『善』多。所以領受相稱的、更多的賞報，是合理的期望（20:4）！但是，為甚麼天主賞賜每人相同的報酬，一個「德納」，是表達出祂是公義的呢？公義何在呢？這是最令人困惑之處！
聖父啊！請派遣聖神，治療我們的嫉妒，使我們能看見祢的公義。亞孟。
We Have No Right to be Green-Eyed (Matthew 20:1-16)
Here is yet another example to illustrate the "Effort Pays" Fallacy. The fallacy lies in imposing what we think is righteous on God, restricting God to do justice according to men.
Flipping through the pages of the Bible, we discover that God's righteousness does not lie in "rewarding the just and punishing the evil" only. It is shown more in His mercy and salvation. For example, "My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth." (Isaiah 51:5) "For my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed." (56:1) In these couplets, God's righteousness is equated with His salvation. That is to say, God's righteousness is manifested in His redemption. It is because we were created in His image (Genesis 1:26). Among His Creation, we are His masterpieces. Thus, God would be unrighteous if He allowed us to perish in evil. Thus, God's salvation does not only show His mercy but also His righteousness. This salvation is the "daily wage" in the parable.
It is impossible for us to earn our own redemption. How can our meagre 12-hour work earn the eternal life? Salvation is freely given by God. It is far worthier than the value of our labour. Thus, we should not envy those who were baptized for milk powder and flour; those seniors who could not contribute to the Church after baptism or even those who were baptized in their deathbeds. This is God's generosity. We have no right to be envious (Matthew 20:15)
"God rewards the righteous and punishes the evil" is a truth beyond refutation. Let us put aside "punishes the evil" for a moment and consider "rewards the righteous". Suppose you work for 12 hours and make full use of the talent God gives you. Another person works for one hour only and has not made use of God-given talent to the full (Matthew 20:7). Comparing the two, of course your good is more than his good. It is reasonable for you to expect more appropriate rewards. However, why does God's giving everybody the same reward, one daily wage show His righteousness? Where lies the justice? This is the most disturbing part of the parable!
Holy Father, Send forth Your Holy Spirit to heal our jealousy so that we may see Your righteousness. Amen.
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