Dignity is to equality as flourishing is to equity

The striking thing about today’s parable is the importance of dignified work. The landowner, at different times of the day, was hiring laborers. This meant that some workers worked longer than the others.

When the landowner gave laborers equal pay regardless of the time they were hired, naturally, the laborers who worked earlier grumbled. Why have equal pay with those who were hired later?

My interpretation is that the owner’s goal was to make sure that all workers felt dignified and had the opportunity to have decent work. Those who were hired later are not necessarily lazy; they were a victims of circumstance. They happened to be hired later.

I infer that if in the next day, those who were hired later felt entitled and did lazy work, the owner will not give a full day’s pay (if not outright fire the lazy laborers).

In a way, having equal pay in that context protected the dignity of those who were hired late simply due to circumstance. But in terms of flourishing, the early workers actually gained a headstart; having more time in the vineyard allowed them to hone their craft and improve their competencies. Does this not provide the early laborers more chance for “promotion” or “career advancement”?

Sometimes, we are called to be the early laborers who come before and prepare a dignified workplace conducive for those who come after us. We are called to serve more. And since we have made the workplace better than we first found it, inevitably, the next generations of workers could experience better benefits. Should we feel envious?

No. Because we did our jobs well and protected dignity. Moreover, in serving more and going beyond the extra mile, haven’t we embraced more opportunities to flourish? Did we not produce more opportunities for beautiful meaning-making?

Matthew 20:1-16. Parable of the landowner and laborers in the vineyard

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 229: AUGUST 17, 2022]

Bearing fruit

Be it a literal fruit beginning to emerge or a fetus beginning to grow in a woman’s womb, the labor behind caring for the fruit before it even existed is often unseen or even underappreciated.

That labor demands intention, persistence, and faith; there are factors beyond the control of the one who plants and cares that must be just right for the fruit to be formed.

The structures of society, the internet, and social media grooms us to expect instant gratification. But many essential things in life demand persistent work and faith to bear fruit.

Bearing fruit requires both work and faith. True love is a love that embraces the work and keeps the faith.

Luke 1:39-56. Blessed is the fruit of your womb

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 227: AUGUST 15, 2022]

To love before they existed

In a sense, children are the most beloved people in the world. Imagine parents-to-be loving someone even before conception — isn’t this the very example of unconditional love? Children are both blessed and blessed themselves, providing a bundle of joy that lights everyone up with a single smile.

If it is possible to love a beloved before existing, then God’s other name is indeed Love.

Matthew 19:13-15. The Kingdom of heaven belongs to children

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 225: AUGUST 13, 2022]

Grudges and forgiveness

Grudges can become malicious pests that can distract a plant from flourishing into a tree it was destined to be. Grudges can invite vicious cycles of revenge that transcend generations. A grudge robs a person of their ability to take opportunities in life and leaves them anxious and stunted.

Maybe, in the same vein that we have infinite potential for growth, so too do we have an infinite ability to forgive. Moreover, forgiveness does not mean removing accountability and letting the wrongdoer off the hook. Forgiveness is giving a kind of tough love and faith that a person can be better than he was before. Forgiving allows the giver to receive a greater grace and the repentant an opportunity for grace.

And when we learn to forgive ourselves, we doubly benefit: receiving grace and a new opportunity to flourish.

Matthew 18:21-19:1. How often must I forgive?

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 223: AUGUST 11, 2022]

The soulfulness of children

Children have a knack of making simple things very profound. Maybe it’s because children tend to put their everything in everything they do. The energy of a curious child cannot be dampened easily, no matter the presence of seemingly “wiser” adults.

However, the “real world” can mercilessly shove children off their feet. Innocence can turn into disillusionment; what was once soulful becomes soulless, like a robot reacting to the whims of the “real world”.

Maybe the invitation is not only to defend our children, but more importantly, the child in each of us. That innocent, curious, soulful being that is destined to be the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And sometimes, life can be much more meaningful when we design little sanctuaries where we can have a bit of a respite, giving in to childlike wonder and pleasure, crying a bit over knee bruises when we fall, but laughing heartily as we inevitably rise up again.

Like all children do.

Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.

[DAILY GOSPEL INSIGHTS AND REFLECTION FOR MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION 221: AUGUST 9, 2022]