False or Fair

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to discern the systems of inequality and discrimination in our society and to respond, as Jesus teaches, with action that addresses the needs of people.

Fairness and Need

In the reading from the Prophet Ezekiel, he condemns Israel’s False Shepherds.

* [34:2] Shepherds: the leaders of the people. A frequent title for kings and deities in the ancient Near East; the ideal ruler took care of his subjects and anticipated their needs. Ezekiel’s oracle broadens the reference to include the whole class of Jerusalem’s leaders (v. 17). The prophet assures his audience, the exiles in Babylon, that God holds these leaders responsible for what has happened to Jerusalem and will give Israel a new shepherd worthy of the title. (Ezekiel, CHAPTER 34 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 23 praises the Divine Shepherd.

* [Psalm 23] God’s loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the flock (Ps 23:1–4) and a host’s generosity toward a guest (Ps 23:5–6). The imagery of both sections is drawn from traditions of the exodus (Is 40:11; 49:10; Jer 31:10).

* [23:1] My shepherd: God as good shepherd is common in both the Old Testament and the New Testament (Ez 34:11–16; Jn 10:11–18).

* [23:3] Right paths: connotes “right way” and “way of righteousness.”

* [23:5] You set a table before me: this expression occurs in an exodus context in Ps 78:19. In front of my enemies: my enemies see that I am God’s friend and guest. Oil: a perfumed ointment made from olive oil, used especially at banquets (Ps 104:15; Mt 26:7; Lk 7:37, 46; Jn 12:2).

* [23:6] Goodness and mercy: the blessings of God’s covenant with Israel. (Psalms, PSALM 23 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches the Parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard.

* [20:1–16] This parable is peculiar to Matthew. It is difficult to know whether the evangelist composed it or received it as part of his traditional material and, if the latter is the case, what its original reference was. In its present context its close association with Mt 19:30 suggests that its teaching is the equality of all the disciples in the reward of inheriting eternal life.

* [20:4] What is just: although the wage is not stipulated as in the case of those first hired, it will be fair.

* [20:8] Beginning with the last…the first: this element of the parable has no other purpose than to show how the first knew what the last were given (Mt 20:12).

* [20:13] I am not cheating you: literally, “I am not treating you unjustly.”

* [20:14–15] The owner’s conduct involves no violation of justice (Mt 20:4, 13), and that all the workers receive the same wage is due only to his generosity to the latest arrivals; the resentment of the first comes from envy.

* [20:16] See note on Mt 19:30. (Matthew, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB, n.d.)

Steve Scholer invites us to think back on all the joy we have experienced in our lives because we have a relationship with Christ.

Think of all we would have missed, had we waited until the end to accept Christ and ask for his forgiveness. Imagine the grandparent who, while on their deathbed, sees their adult grandchildren for the first time. Think of all the joy and love they missed because they delayed having a personal relationship with them.

Having a lifelong relationship with Christ guides us in our daily lives. What type of people would we be, if our lives were not built around the Ten Commandments and the duty to love our neighbors as ourselves? Would we, too, end up like the thief on the cross?

As one commentator said, If you don’t want anything to do with Christ right now, why do you want to spend eternity with Him? (Scholer, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Christ our householder,” author unknown, from the 5th century A.D.

"The householder [in Matthew's parable - chapter 20] is Christ, to whom the heavens and the earth are like a single house; the family is as it were the multitude of creatures both angelic and earthly. It is as if he built a three-storied house: hell, heaven and earth, so that those struggling may live upon the earth, those conquered below the earth, those conquering in heaven. We too, set in the middle, should strive not to descend to those who are in hell but ascend to those who are in heaven. And in case perhaps you do not know which one you ought to shun or which one you ought to aspire to, he has given you as it were a little taste of both while you live between light and darkness: night as a taste of hell, daylight as a taste of heaven." (excerpt from an incomplete Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, HOMILY 34) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Ezekiel 34:1-11 comments that not many of us would consider ourselves equivalent to the “shepherds” the prophet confronted in his day. But then again, maybe we are. Each of us is a “shepherd” because Jesus has called us to love our neighbor as ourselves. And he has made it clear that we are all neighbors to one another (Luke 10:29-37).

So try something a little different today. At your next meal, pray for the people who made it possible: the ones who farmed your food, the ones who packaged and delivered it, and the ones who prepared it. Pray also for those who will go without a meal today. Acknowledge how you are connected to people you may never meet, your “neighbors” near and far. As you do, the Lord will gradually turn your indifference to love that bears fruit in action.

“Jesus, teach me how to love all my neighbors.” (Meditation on Ezekiel 34:1-11, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the condemnation of Ezekiel for the leaders of Israel who failed to be good shepherds. The parable of the Workers in the Vineyard invites us to ponder the fairness of all workers receiving the usual daily wage regardless of the time in the field. Friar Jude reminds us that God is true to His Promise of being merciful.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces CAC staff member Jennifer Tompos who invited Living School affiliate faculty member Carmen Acevedo Butcher to reflect on the role of mentors in developing resilience.

I am so glad you’re bringing up Gen-Z and Gen-Alpha because they feel grief … and I feel it with them. A few days ago, I was rereading “Appendix Five: Talking to Children About Our Current Situation” in Brian McLaren’s book Life After Doom. I began to cry because of the grief, and my students also feel it. I think it’s so important to sit with this uncomfortable conversation [with them], because many come from very difficult backgrounds: first generation students, low socioeconomic status, various disabilities. They feel anger at the older generations for our platitudes and obtuseness, and I listen. I’ve even heard myself in class say, “I just want to apologize for how we were not on this, and y’all have inherited such a mess, so many difficulties.” Then there’s this intergenerational dialogue that takes place. (Rohr, n.d.)

We ask the help of the Spirit to STOP (Stop,Take breath,Observe,Proceed) when we are offered the opportunity to choose kindness, mercy and compassion in our response to the needs of our brothers and sisters that we encounter on our journey.

References

Ezekiel, CHAPTER 34 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ezekiel/34?1 

Matthew, CHAPTER 20 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/20?1 

Meditation on Ezekiel 34:1-11. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/08/21/1055674/ 

Psalms, PSALM 23 | USCCB. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/23?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Intergenerational Learning. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/intergenerational-learning/ 

Scholer, S. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. OnlineMinistries. Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/082124.html 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Do You Begrudge My Generosity? Daily Scripture net. Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=aug21 

Distraction and Temptation

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to accept some truths about inequality and inequity in our world and to express our gratitude for our journey in our service to the “little ones” in our environment.

Example for the "little ones"

The reading from the Book of James is a warning to Rich Oppressors.

* [5:1–6] Continuing with the theme of the transitory character of life on earth, the author points out the impending ruin of the godless. He denounces the unjust rich, whose victims cry to heaven for judgment on their exploiters (Jas 5:4–6). The decay and corrosion of the costly garments and metals, which symbolize wealth, prove them worthless and portend the destruction of their possessors (Jas 5:2–3).

* [5:6] The author does not have in mind any specific crime in his readers’ communities but rather echoes the Old Testament theme of the harsh oppression of the righteous poor (see Prv 1:11; Wis 2:10, 12, 20). (James, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 49 declares the Folly of Trust in Riches.

* [Psalm 49] The Psalm affirms confidence in God (cf. Ps 23; 27:1–6; 62) in the face of the apparent good fortune of the unjust rich, cf. Ps 37; 73. Reliance on wealth is misplaced (Ps 49:8–10) for it is of no avail in the face of death (Ps 49:18–20). After inviting all to listen to this axiom of faith (Ps 49:2–5), the psalmist depicts the self-delusion of the ungodly (Ps 49:6–13), whose destiny is to die like ignorant beasts (Ps 49:13, 18; cf. Prv 7:21–23). Their wealth should occasion no alarm, for they will come to nought, whereas God will save the just (Ps 49:14–20). (Psalms, PSALM 49, n.d.)

The Gospel of Mark warns of temptations to Sin.

* [9:43, 45, 47] Gehenna: see note on Mt 5:22.

* [9:44, 46] These verses, lacking in some important early manuscripts, are here omitted as scribal additions. They simply repeat Mk 9:48 itself a modified citation of Is 66:24.

* [9:49] Everyone will be salted with fire: so the better manuscripts. Some add “every sacrifice will be salted with salt.” The purifying and preservative use of salt in food (Lv 2:13) and the refinement effected through fire refer here to comparable effects in the spiritual life of the disciples of Jesus. (Mark, CHAPTER 9, n.d.)

Vivian Amu comments that today’s gospel makes it seem so easy to just cut something off when it causes us to sin.

But it isn’t easy, is it? Removing the things in our life that separate us from the unconditional love of God should be easy, and yet, we hold on to our vices, our hurts, our frustrations, our grudges, and our fears. I have not figured out why my first instinct is usually to hide in my grief rather than run to Jesus, who is the healer of wounded souls. But one thing I do know is that it takes courage to grieve well. It takes courage to let go of that which separates us from God. It takes courage to retain our spiritual flavor that allows us to live in peace with ourselves and others. It takes courage to allow ourselves to be poor in spirit by giving up all the things that prevent us from experiencing God’s love and peace in our lives. It takes courage to offer no resistance when the opportunity arises to let go.

Merciful and loving God, grant us the courage to let go of all that prevents us from completely loving God, self, and others. Amen. (Amu, 2024)

Don Schwager quotes “Why not skip over such passages,” by John Chrysostom (347-407 AD).

"This is no trivial subject of inquiry that we propose, but rather it concerns things most urgent, and about which many inquire: namely, whether hell fire has any end. For that it has no end Christ indeed declared when he said, 'Their fire shall not be quenched, and their worm shall not die' (Isaiah 66:24). Yes, I know a chill comes over you on hearing these things. But what am I to do? For this is God's own command... Ordained as we have been to the ministry of the word, we must cause our hearers discomfort when it is necessary for them to hear. We do this not arbitrarily but under command." (excerpt from the HOMILIES ON FIRST CORINTHIANS 9.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on James 5:1-6 is telling us that when we treasure possessions too dearly, we become self-centered and build walls around us. We cut ourselves off from him, the only One who can satisfy the deepest longings of our heart, and from the ones the Lord has called us to love.

God wants to free us from the materialism that leads to selfishness and sin. He wants to give us a spirit of justice and generosity so that we love others, especially the poor, the way he loves us. So let’s remember how fleeting wealth is. Let’s share our blessings. And let’s do what we can to make sure that the people around us are loved and cared for.

“Father, help me to find my true treasure in knowing and serving you.” (Meditation on James 5:1-6, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that James is very tough on the rich. Goods are gifted to us to share. The Wisdom sayings in Mark include a severe warning about bad examples to children and the simple. Friar Jude reminds us of the Jewish exaggeration in Mark that underlines our mission to be filled with zest and vitality to serve the Kingdom.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Author Lisa Sharon Harper who describes the diversity of the early church. At Pentecost, God brought the languages together, but not in the way we would imagine. God did not unite the world under one imperial language. Rather, the power of God made it possible to have unity in the midst of diversity. God made it possible for people to speak languages that were not their own and to understand one another.   

And in the same way Jesus had broken gender and class barriers, this multiethnic, multilingual group turned its back on misogyny and economic favoritism. Peter [quoting Joel 3:1–2] explained to the crowd why women and slaves were prophesying along with free men:   

In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy (Acts 2:17–18)….   

In other words, all the cultural, economic, and gender barriers between them were broken down. [1]   (Rohr, n.d.)

We open our minds to the Wisdom of the Spirit that reveals the true riches in the people who surround us and with whom we share our journey and fight against the distractions and temptations that lead away from fullness of life.

References

Amu, V. (2024, May 23). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 23, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/052324.html 

James, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved May 23, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/james/5?1 

Mark, CHAPTER 9. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 23, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/9?41 

Meditation on James 5:1-6. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 23, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/05/23/973839/ 

Psalms, PSALM 49. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 23, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/49?14 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Spirit Is for All. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved May 23, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-spirit-is-for-all/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). If Your Hand or Eye Causes You to Sin. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved May 23, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=may23