Exegetical Analysis of Matthew 20:6-7 In The Light of The Catholic Social Teaching on Work, Human Dignity and The Need For Social Security

Abstract

This paper will be looking at the parable of “the workers in the vineyard” (Mt. 20:1-16); with particular reference to vv. 6-7, “about the eleventh hour…“why do you stand here idle all day?”…“because no one hired us”… “You go into the vineyard too. I shall be analyzing this in the light of the Catholic Social Teachings on the right to work and human dignity. This parable isprovocative and it’s one that defies the economic principle of the more work done, the more pay one receives. The contrary however seems to be the operating
maxim in this parable. Furthermore, on a first glance, there seems to be an element of injustice on the part of the owner of the vineyard, in not paying the workers according to the number of hours put into their work. These, no doubt, heightened my interest into researching and seeking to grasp the possible meanings of this parable and juxtaposing it with the Catholic Social Teachings concerning work, human dignity and social insecurity.