"This is one of those homilies that always leaves me with my head shaking."
Does seem unfair, doesn't it?! But then again, "My ways are not your ways" etc.
The message of the parable is simply this: have all the fun, do whatever you want, and when the funds or health run out — "repent."
You will have a much more interesting life experience. Let the idiots be obedient. We never throw parties for them.
But for the 'bad boys' we will make even their desperate return into a party!
"Does seem unfair, doesn't it?!"
How is this any different than the thief on the cross and someone like Paul or James. All are in heaven with the Father. Or how is it any different than the parable of the farmer who goes into the labor market and pays the same wages to those who were hired early and toiled through the heat of the day and those who were hired late and maybe worked for an hour? It is all in the sovereignty of God and His dispensing of His grace to whomever He wills.