On Preparing for Salvation
Anxcerpt from the work of St. John Chrysostom

What does this parable mean?  For that which is said at the end is not in agreement with what is said in the beginning, but announces something wholly contrary.  For in the first part He shows all men as receiving the same rewards; not some being excluded, and others admitted to enter. And both before the parable and after, the Lord has said something that is contradictory:  The first shall be the last, and the last first; that is those who came later shall be placed before the very first; these now ceasing to be first, and being placed after those of others.  What this may mean He then makes known, saying:  For many are called, but few are chosen, so that He may one and the same time urge onwards the former, and comfort and console the latter.