Word to the Wise
Wednesday, August 23, 2017 - Wednesday in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time
[Judg 9:6-15 and Matt 20:1-16,1045]"My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my money? Are you envious because I am generous? Thus the last shall be first, and the first shall be last." [Matthew]
AUGUST 23 ST. ROSE OF LIMA, O.P.
This scene is not about fair labor standards. it is about the generosity of God who offers the opportunity of salvation to all kinds of people at different times of "the day." God's expectations are different from human ones. If we take salvation for granted, we can develop human expectations based on human desires. A notorious sinner who repents on his or her deathbed can actually arouse envy in some folks who "toed the line" all their lives in "expectation" of a heavenly reward. The envious person in this case is not a "happy camper" but is like the servant in another parable who buries the money entrusted to him. Who is God to that servant? A terrible judge? A vengeful Lord? In the parable today, the owner of the vineyard would have been a familiar figure and probably an object of envy to the listeners who would have been happy to quarrel with him over the wages. Jesus turns all of this on its head by emphasizing the generosity of the owner in offering employment. Those who are familiar with less than ethical labor practices in migrant labor matters might react negatively to the parable, with good reason, if their understanding matched the meaning of the parable. Again, Jesus challenges our expectations and makes us think. Another person, like Ruby Turpin in Flannery O'Connor's wonderful short story, REVELATION, shows the expectation of the "God-fearing" person who is better than so many others. The vision she receives shows her and people like her at the end of the line going into heaven.
The Gospel According to Matthew has as one of its major themes the "offer and response" of salvation. God's offer is free. So should our response be free. We are not in the position of imposing conditions or demanding certain returns. Eternal life is better than standing around idle all day in the city square. The last shall be first and the first shall be last, but all should be grateful. AMEN
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