NOTES FOR REFLECTION PENTECOST 14

September 18                                    NOTES FOR REFLECTION                    PENTECOST 14

 

Theme.  I suggest something like "The Sting of God's Grace".  We are used to being told how fortunate we are to be the recipients of God's grace.  Today we are challenged to recognise that part of our human nature that is not quite so thrilled when some thoroughly undeserving person receives that same grace.

Introduction.  Two great stories today, both clear in their meaning and requiring little exposition.  Jonah may be guilty of a little re-writing of recent history, in his assertion that the reason why he fled to Tarshish (Spain) was because he knew that the Ninevites would repent and be saved.  They were, after all, Israel's enemies, so a more likely initial concern for Jonah may have been a natural fear for his own safety.  However, the point of the story is clear enough: he wants God's favour for himself, and God's disfavour for his enemies.  The Parable of the Vineyard has a similar twist.  The workers hired first object to the master's generosity to others, even though they are receiving what they were promised.  St Paul's plea is that, whatever happens, in good fortune or bad ("for better or for worse"), we stand fast in the faith, for only our relationship with Christ truly matters.

Background.  The famous childish cry, "That's not fair!" sums up these stories today.  Children have an innate expectation that they will be treated fairly, and protest vigorously if they feel that they have been hard done by.  They rarely have any concern if some other child is the victim of injustice.

The story is told of God's horror on discovering that so far only one person had made it into heaven.  He summoned St Peter to explain.  St Peter insisted that it was God's fault: God had set the entrance standard too high.  Only one person had managed to comply with all ten commandments throughout his entire life.  God reflected on this, and then agreed to reduce the requirement from 10 to 5.  Millions then became eligible.  On hearing about the change the one resident of heaven was heard to yell, "That's not fair!"

Another story – this one true.  In a bible study group the conversation turned to a recent gruesome murder in the locality.  The offender pleaded guilty, expressed deep remorse, and hoped that one day the victim's family might find it in their hearts to forgive him.  One of the group, a lifelong member of the Church, asked what would happen to him eternally if he truly repented.  When told that he would receive God's mercy, she protested: "You mean, that scumbag would get the same deal I'll get after a lifetime of service to the church?"

Jonah.  It may be worth noting this story is set in modern-day Iraq.  Jonah, a Jew, is called to go there and warn the locals that they are on the wrong track – to call them to repentance.  Jonah wants none of that and takes ship to modern-day Spain, with near-fatal consequences.  Despite his near-death experience his inner nature does not seem to have been transformed for the better.  His obedience is grudging, and he hopes with all his heart that his call to repentance will be rejected.  Indeed, he sits down to watch what he hopes will be their mass extermination, concerned only with his personal well-being.  Even when challenged by God he puts up robust resistance.  He is, if nothing else, one of the most honest people we come across in the Scriptures.

Taking It Personally.

·        How much of a Jonah is in you?  Can you recall an occasion on which you felt cross because someone did not get their just desserts?

·        Are you as quick to give thanks when things go well for you as you are to complain when they do not?

·        Notice that the story ends with an unanswered question.  What unanswered questions do you have as you read this story?

Philippians.  St Paul is in prison and in chains.  He is quite clear that this is a direct consequence of his proclamation of his faith in Christ.  He is well aware of the danger he faces – he could be executed.  Far from being terrified at the prospect, he calmly weighs up whether he would prefer to die, and so be with the Lord immediately, or remain alive so that he can continue his ministry.  On balance, he thinks the latter option is preferable because it is in the interests of others.  Whatever happens (and his implication is that nothing of a worldly nature matters too much), the important thing is to stand firm in the faith, and to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Taking It Personally.

·       Note the blunt realism of Paul's approach.  Take a few moments to ponder his physical situation as he writes this message.  Then read this passage through again.  How would you describe Paul's feelings at this time?

·       Notice his reference to joy in verses 24 and 25.  How is it possible to be joyful in such dismal personal circumstances?

·       Reflect on your own conduct over the last week.  Has it been worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Matthew.  Another of Jesus' major parables, and perhaps the one that is most complete.  It is self-explanatory – even the disciples seem to get it!  It is a kingdom parable – this is what the kingdom of heaven is like.  Some of the features include the fact that all the workers respond positively when called, the first and the last.  No one gets less than he is entitled to.  A denarius is usually described as the labourer's daily rate of pay: it is perhaps better to describe it as the average daily cost of living for a labourer and his dependents.  Thus, each worker in this story has his needs met regardless of how long he worked.  "Give us today our daily bread."  A question not often asked in respect of this parable is this: if the vineyard represents the kingdom of heaven and the landowner is God, should we not be envious of those first hired, because they entered into the presence of God earlier than the others?  We are assuming the opposite, but why?  Notice there is no harsh condemnation at the end of this parable, as there was with the parable of the unmerciful servant.  The landowner simply explains his position and asks another unanswerable question – in fact, two unanswerable questions (v.15).

Taking It Personally.

·       Where do your sympathies lie?  Do you find yourself on the 'wrong side of this parable' again?

·       How might a Christian be guided by this parable in an employment situation?  Should it matter if a fellow employee appears to be on a higher rate for the same work, so long as the employer is paying the agreed amount to the Christian employee?

·       Does generosity to one person always imply injustice to another?

·       Is this just another example of the unrealism of the kingdom of heaven compared to the ways of the world?  Should we confine such biblical teaching to the Church, and not seek to apply it to the secular world?