Word to the Wise
Wednesday, August 20, 2014 - Wednesday in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time
[Ezek 34:1-11 and Matt 20:1-16]"Are you envious because I am generous?"
AUGUST 20 ST. BERNARD, abbot and doctor of the church
We Americans are proud of our work ethic! On the news every day there is an item on "the job market" and how many jobs have been "added to the economy." It is part of or cultural identity to "have a job" and earn money to support a family or a lifestyle! The roots of this element in American character are partially religious [Calvinist "work ethic"] and partially environmental [survival ina hostile and competitive pioneer situation.] To be "laid off," as so many were during the recent severe economic recession, was a source of great tension for individuals, families and communities. Our government has enacted considerable legislation over the years to protect workers from unfair employment practicies and "slave labor." It would be understandable if we were to react negatively to Jesus' parableabout thw owner of the vineyard who chose, at the end of the day, to give the same wage to every worker, no matter how many hours each had worked. Our reaction, however, would be a misreading!
The parable is not about fair labor practices! It is about the generosity of the owner who offers the opportunity. A major theme of the Gospel of Matthew is that of gift-response. The vineyard is a major symbol of the Kingdom in the gospels. Whenthe workers who had been in the vineyard earlier protest that they should have been paid more, the owner replies that the opportunity to work was a matter of his generosity. Each had accepted what he offered. "Are you envious because I am generous?"
The parable teaches us aboutthe opportunity that Jesus offers, but it also warns us modern folks not to jump to conclusions based on our cultural presuppositions when considering what Jesus teaches. A good question to ask, always, when meditating on the scriptures is, "What is my starting point?" AMEN
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