GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
The Good Householder: Mt 19,30-20,16
We saw in the overview that this parable is bracketed by the expression repeated in 19,30 and 20,16. We can also remember that the audience for this parable continues from the previous chapter. Note that there is a link which is omitted in some translations
We can now read the story and see that there are two scenes. These are indicated by a change of place and by the different actions of those involved.
The theme of the parable is given in 20,1 in a manner similar to the introductions we have seen in chapter 13. Who might be the householder? Why do I prefer this to the more obivous "landowner"? See 1st Timothy 3,15.
Note that the vineyard will be the theme again in the second half of chapter 21 (21,28 and 21,33).
Then look at Isaiah chapter 5 and Jeremiah 12,10. What therefore is the significance of the vineyard? What might be going on?
For the OT background concerning wages, see Lev 19,13 and Dt 24,14-15. See also Tobit 5,15.
What is promised in verse 4? See verse 2.
Some translations give times as "o'clock" while others use the Roman time of day with the day divided into twelve hours. With that in mind, what is the significance of verse 6?
Why in verse 7 are these workers still in the market place?
The Payment: 20,8-16
Coming to the second scene in verse 8, try to find what word has been translated "owner". It's different to that used in verses 2 and 11. Note the echo here of 19,30.
Verses 9 and 10 then set up the conflict which is expressed in verses 11 and 12. How is the householder addressed?
See then how the householder in verses 13 to 14 answers the workers. What does the he call them? In verse 13 there is an echo of verse 4, though it is usually lost in translation.
Verse 15 we must read as the climax and the key to the whole parable.
Look back to 20,1 to check the theme of the parable. We have to read verse 15 in light of this.
How does the first part of the verse conclude verse 14? What does this tell us about the householder?
For the second part of the verse read the literal translation provided by the NRSV in a footnote. The evil eye is an expression still found in English.
The literal translation says "because I am good". "Good" is the Greek word yet every English translation (other than the AV and Douai) says "I am generous". Look back to 19,17 and then reflect upon the importance of reading "good" here instead of "generous". Remember who is represented by the householder. See Ps 136,1.
Reflect upon this parable. What do we learn about the householder? How does it follow up the preceeding scene, 19,16-30? Consider especially 19,16-17
There is now a response from me.
The Sunday Gospel
The story of householder and the workers in the vineyard is read as the Gospel on the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time. It is introduced by "Jesus said to his disciples".
The OT reading chosen to accompany the Gospel is Isaiah 55,6-9. Read the whole of Is 55; note that much of this chapter has already appeared in this year's Sunday lectionary (see the 18th and 15th Sundays) as well as the Easter Vigil.
Look also at the responsorial psalm (from Ps 144/145) in light of what I have said about 20,15 (Ps 145,7-9).
How do these four verses inform our understanding of this Sunday's Gospel?
See see my response.
We can continue with the Jesus' third prediction of his fate, Mt 20,17-28.