October 7, 2018
4th week after Holy CrossMt 24:45-51
Margaret Ghosn mshf
Good management
There is no justification for greed, violence or exploitation. In this Sunday Gospel, Jesus makes it clear that humanity is important and the dignity and respect of each individual matters.
Jesus offers the scenario of a master who puts in charge of his household a slave. Now putting in charge means there are expectations. Often such expectations include success, efficiency, profit making, and ensuring business as usual. Lower down on the scale ranks expectations of relationships, mutual respect etc. Yet for Jesus the ‘wise slave’ is the one who gives ‘the other slaves their allowance of food at the proper time’ (v45). It’s not about improving the company’s financial situation. It is about providing the basic necessities to others and developing respectful relationships. This matters most, for without the support of others, nothing gets done, and work becomes tedious.
We don’t need professional and motivational speakers and consultants and self-professed gurus to tell us how to run a business or be a successful company. Jesus gave us the answers long ago. The Gospel passage tells us all we need to know – caring for our employees makes a world of difference. Being on their level, respecting their rights, offering genuine concern, benefits one and all. Amen