Scripture for Mass
Isaiah 55:6-9
Psalm: 145(144): 2-3. 8-9. 17-18. Response: 18a
Philippians: 1:20c-24, 27a
Matthew 20:1-16
We live in an age which prizes meritocracy. In other words, we reward people not on the basis of their social status, skin colour or gender but rather on their achievements and contribution to society. We consider such an approach to be not only fair but also Christian. However, while meritocracy has its merits, it also has its demerits!
Among its blind spots is the assumption that, since all participants begin a ‘race’ from the same ‘start line,’ whoever runs the fastest deserves to win. If, however, we examine what happens before the participants approach the start line, we can see clearly that some runners have had the advantage of a private gym and a personal trainer while other athletes lack even proper running gear. Clearly, the competition is not as fair nor the winner as outstanding as we are led to believe.
Another major blind spot is the assumption that the real value of every person’s contribution can be measured in economic terms – therefore, the more one contributes to society, the greater the financial reward. As a result, we have been brainwashed into believing that successfully playing the stock market is more important than caring for a parent with dementia. Since we are prone to believe that everything that has value can be measured, and everything that can be measured has a price tag, meritocracy risks neglecting the many, intangible riches of our humanity and of community.
In today’s parable, Jesus challenges us to re-think our devotion to a meritocratic society. He invites us to value the contribution of every person, to see our wages not as a reward but rather as a blessing, and to build a society in which all members have what they need to live with dignity.
Gracious God, all that we are and all that we have is your gift to us.
Do not allow us to fall into the temptation of focussing on the shortcomings and limitations of life.
Open the eyes of our heart instead to recognise and give thanks for your boundless generosity and infinite kindness to us.
Help us to see other people as precious not because of their talents, achievements or possessions but because they reflect your glory.
May your concern and compassion for those in need find expression in our concern and compassion for them.
We ask this through Jesus your Son, who gave up his own life so that we might have life in abundance.
Amen.
Fr. Tim Mulroy
