Wednesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time

“The word of God is living and effective, able to discern the reflections and thoughts of the heart.”—Heb. 4:12
 
   Today’s readings are saturated with images of a God who loves and cares for us in all circumstances of life. God is scolding ineffective shepherds who have not cared for the needs of the sheep. Yes, the shepherds are the Jewish leaders of Israel. Instead of nurturing the physical, intellectual and spiritual lives of their people (the sheep), they have sunk unto selfishness. Someone who follows Jesus makes a commitment to try to love as Jesus does.
 
    We already know that Jesus told us parables not for entertainment but to shake us up. After rattling our cages, we realize the message of change that Jesus not only encourages but demands of us as his followers.  Living in a highly industrialized nation, we may not fully understand Jesus’ similes. I am sure that the vineyard owners of California, Long Island, and upstate New York appreciate each detail in this parable. 
 
    We need to look at this parable from a non-union society! Vineyards, then as now, belonged to wealthy people. In Jesus’ time the vineyard owners were men who had a manager and other servants. It took four years of careful tending before a vineyard bore fruit.  When the grapes were ripe, they had to be picked immediately.  We know not only from Scripture but also from history that day laborers are at the opposite spectrum from vineyard entrepreneurs.  Day laborers, hoping to be hired, congregate at the market place each day. They are similar to day laborers today who stand on the highway in hopes of being hired.
 
    We must remember that we are talking about economics during Jesus’ time. Not only must people provide for their families, they must also pay hefty taxes to the Romans who have taken over their territory.  When day laborers are not employed, they are reduced to begging. They are in a most vulnerable position, since their work is sporadic, and they have no ongoing relationship with a patron or an employer. They are not even like a temp who is connected to an agency. During Jesus’ time even slaves were better off, because their owners would house and feed them, so that they would be more profitable.
 
    In our story today, the last four groups who were sent into the vineyard are dependent on whatever the owner thinks is just compensation. Life for these workers is precarious and unpredictable. Malnutrition, hunger, disease, separation from family, dependency, and begging are their constant companions. Also, some—the elderly and sickly-- remain in the marketplace because they arrive late. The vineyard owner also knows that a denarius—a day’s wage—will support the worker and his family for the day.
 
    So, how is Jesus trying to shake us up with this story? Now that we know the background, was the owner unjust to the first group of workers who received the agreed upon wage? Or was the owner merciful in making sure that all received enough of a wage to support themselves and their families for a day?
 
    Which is higher: justice or mercy? What does Jesus think is higher?