After a grueling morning of auditions the director decided the lead role in the production should go to Jessica.

The other four finalists hung their heads, only one of them saying, 'Nice job Jess, you're going to be amazing!'

The emotional let down that occurs when we don't get picked usually overwhelms any sense of altruism or good will we may have for those who fared better. We get it. It's natural.

But since, on average, we don't get picked more than we do, it's really important for us to cultivate a generous sensibility around these many occasions when others achieve more than we do.

In Sunday's gospel we hear the familiar story of those who work many hours and are paid just as much as those who work a few. It's unfair and more than a bit irritating. But an idea here is that every day there are winners and losers, and you and I can chose to sulk over our misfortune, or look with appreciation on whatever win there might be - choosing to rejoice in generosity and achievement rather than sinking into self-pity.

We have a few options here:

• We can practice empathy, putting ourselves in the shoes of the winner and looking at things from their perspective: how happy they must feel, what plans they must be making! What horizons have changed for them as a result of this achievement?
  
• We can also look at the big picture. There have been times when we have won. We have worn the olive wreath. And somewhere down the line we will win again. In light of the victories we've achieved, shouldn't we be happy when someone else does?
  
• And finally, we can look to God. Jesus reminds us that there is some sense of order and providence in the world - that God's in control. And the important thing is his presence among us - God is with us through wins and losses

I know, I know, rejoicing in the good fortune of others is hard. But this is what being a disciple is about - we can tell because if there's one thing Jesus promised about following him it would be difficult.

So how are we rejoicing in the achievements of others? How might we better cultivate a sense of 'other-awareness' in the many times we lose in life?

We lift our hands in praise when we get picked, we should try to do something similar when others do.