We have elevated whining to an art form. Seriously, an accomplished person can take their major (and especially minor) afflictions, spin it around, cast upon it the light of selfless martyrdom, et voilà we have a brilliantly crafted testimonial of the perseverance and noble suffering that masquerades a really swank whine and cheese party.
You know what? Guilty!!! I'm really good at it too. Just ask my family, coworkers, and friends (on second thought, no, please don't).
Our readings at Mass today are filled with kvetching (I have a few Jewish friends and I really love Yiddish catch-phrases...they're perfect). For the Old Testament lesson we have a choice, either hearing the newly-freed Israelites complain about provisions (Ex. 16.2-15) or Jonah about God sparing the Assyrians of Nineveh after Jonah inspired a righteous wicked panic over impending doom (Jon. 3.10-4.11). Then in the Gospel Jesus tells us the parable of the day labourers who complain about wage parity (St. Mt. 20.1-16). The Epistle seems free of it, but who knows, St. Paul usually wrote one in response to somebody's complaining.
It seems, though, God's response is all about restoring perspective. To Israel, He tells them to chill, He will provide in the wilderness. To Jonah, He says that the repentance of the Assyrians, who ARE people after all, is much more pleasing than grinding them into a greasy powder. St. Paul says whether we live or die as Christians we have it made. The Gospel, however, states that in the Kingdom of God everyone is equal, no matter how late to the game they are.
Is that a problem? To some, perhaps, working hard all their lives to expand the Kingdom of God, but we need to remember something. It's not about us. It's about Grace. It's about the fact that it all comes from God and in many cases it's more than we deserve. I know in my case it would be. God promises if we come work for Him he will grant us all the same gift regardless of when the age is consummated. Rather than complain, let's rejoice in each other and the Grace we've all received.
Illumination from the Codex Aureus Eptanercensis, 11th Century, Ecbternach, Luxembourg