Jesus’ parable this Sunday seems to present most modern readers with an easy choice. Is it better to say “No” to a father’s public request but then do as he asked? Or is it better to say “Yes” but then not actually fulfill the request. Modern readers would likely say doing what was asked is best. Getting the requested task done is what matters. Not so in Jesus’ culture. His culture gave primacy to publically honoring the male head of the household. The easy choice would have been the exact opposite; say “Yes” for under no circumstances may you dishonor your father publically. It’s better to deceive than to dishonor.
Sometimes there are people or groups that both deceive and dishonor. This is true of corporations dealing with the environment. There is a phrase in the environmental movement called ‘Greenwashing.” It refers to companies that say “Yes” to the public request for ecological responsibility. However, they don’t actually fulfill that responsibility and then lie about it. They choose to deceive and to dishonor. The ruling class of corporations today could do otherwise. They could choose for truth and for integrity when it comes to the environment. Unfortunately, many are not making that choice. Examples include British Petroleum, Dow Chemical, DuPont, Exxon Mobil, General Electric, General Motors. Conversely, many common people are doing what they can to choose for truth and integrity when it comes to the environment. They are doing the same to convince corporations to choose truth and integrity too. People have been boycotting the deceptive companies, planting trees, increasing farmer’s markets, shifting to clean renewable energy, and many other practices. People have thus been having an impact. One result is genuinely Green companies are rising up to take the place of the deceptive ones. These include Abe’s Market, Commuter Car, Lit Motors, Obvio, Preserve, Remarkable, Seventh Generation, Twike Vehicles, and others.
Jesus uses the present tense in the Gospel parable when he refers to rulers and the consequences of their choices. He uses the same present tense when referring to commoners and the consequences of their choices. He said, “tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Community of God before you.” The Community of God isn’t a distant place of reward. It is misinterpreted as a heavenly reward by elites, elites who deceive. The Community of God is an earthly place of truth and cooperation right now.
Prayer: Spirit of Truth, we are encouraged to speak and act honestly.
Question: What are some choices I have been considering and need to make, especially when it comes to my care of creation?
September 28, 2014 Gospel Matthew 21:28-32 Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time