Starter: (In pairs for 5 minutes)
Describe a debate or argument you heard where you could see truth in both points of view.
How did you feel about it?
WORSHIP:
Perhaps focus on the generosity of God.
READ PASSAGE ALOUD(How do you feel at the end of the story?)
READING : Matt 20:1-16
RE-READ PASSAGE AND COMMENTARY(Silent personal reflection)
PERSONAL FOCUS(Silent reflection on the passage / commentary & personal focus questions)
Commentary:
This is a story of confrontation between a rich landowner, who believes he is both just and generous in the way he treats his day labourers, and a group of labourers who feel aggrieved at the way they have been treated by him. Two opposing voices speak to us, two voices that are competing for our understanding and support. We can support only one reading of the reality, the landowner's or the worker's version.
If we believe that the lord of the vineyard is a God figure, inevitably we have to interpret his actions as generous and the complaint of the workers against him as unjustified. With this lord everybody is equally graced regardless of their merit.
However if we view it from the worker's point of view we see that the lord succeeds in dividing the workforce. We may see the early workers as heroes because they articulate the ancient hurt of being exploited. And then we will notice how they are blamed by their rich master as the architects of their own misery. Thus the victims of injustice are reproached for the unjust situation they find themselves in, one that has been deftly organised by their powerful employer.
Does this parable reveal what the kingdom of God is like or does it disclose what the kingdom of God is not?
What do you think? [Denis McBride]
Personal Focus Questions :
(Initially just reflect on the question that chooses you. It may help to clarify your thinking to make notes in the spaces provided. This will also give you material to reflect on in the future)
1. What verse in this reading speaks to you? What is God saying to you?
2. . Describe a time when somebody was very generous to you
3. How is your image of God and his kingdom influenced by the parable?
PERSONAL FOCUS QUESTIONS (Discuss in triplets /pray for each other –25 minutes)
LIFE FOCUS (Discuss in whole group-15 minutes)
1. In what ways do we exploit other people?
Think not only about conscious exploitation but the unconscious exploitation
that results from the way we shop and the goods we buy.
2. . What practical outcome is there from our reflection?
Do we need to make any plans to make things happen?
Review Time
In what ways does the use of story make us think?
Group Memory Time:
(To check up on whether previous action agreed are happening etc)
Prayer Time :
For employers and employees, for those who are unemployed, for those who are exploited in their work etc
Next Meeting :
Arrange date and venue.
|
