We often hear the default, “It’s just a job, puts food on the table.” However, most people typically want the fruits of their labors to be valued and respected. Most want to perform their job duties excellently. One of the social teaching exhorts us to assure all have gainful employment, and to compensate fairly for education, experience and responsibility. While we may not be employers, as co-workers and customers, we can recognize the labor others put into meeting our needs and desires.
The Gardener, Jesus, is our migrant farmer, putting time and energy, hope and faith into the sorry, struggling fig trees that we are. In many a work situation, we are asked to put effort into projects which seem fruitless or to help less proficient co-workers. This parable and social teaching exhorts us to help and uplift others so all might be find peace, hope and joy with their work.
The fig tree in Jesus’ parable this week is ‘sick.’ It is disabled, wounded or impaired, bearing no fruit, not fulfilling its potential. While the sacrament of the anointing of the sick is typically given to those in critical condition, the sacrament reminds us of our responsibility to accept human weakness. We are called to interact with such compassion and gentleness that we not only cause no spiritual pain, but actually heal previously inflicted psychological or spiritual pain.
This parable of the ailing fig tree, the sacrament of the anointing of the sick and the social teaching around worker’s rights and the dignity of work calls us to notice and appreciate the work of others. We are to interact in a way that causes no harm, but heals, encourages and inspires others so that they find peace, hope and fulfillment in their work.
© 2016 Marilyn MacArthur, all rights reserved
Writing to Pray 