We often hear about the lives of the wealthy, not only about how they enjoy their fortunes, but where their wealth came from. Now, I have a little admiration for those who have built themselves up. I may wish for a little of what they enjoy, I may question how they use their wealth to make the world better, but I also think, “good on them for putting forth the effort, taking the risks and making the most of opportunities and talents.” But then there are those who are born into wealth, who just have it all handed to them. Since about the age of three, I’ve known life’s not fair, but witnessing someone enjoy a great blessing of unearned wealth raises up a little envy within me.
Of course, stepping back and taking look at the bigger picture reveals something a little more complex or nuanced. Stepping back reveals how each in their own way enjoy some blessings and suffer some challenges; some may be blessed with great wealth, but suffer often invisible challenges. It’s why even successful and beloved celebrities may sometimes sadly take their own lives.
We’ve been exploring how the wisdom of Jesus can simplify some of the complicated, more nuanced moments of life. His wisdom may challenge his followers, but our faith reveals how his simple wisdom gives more space for joy by alleviating those nuamced moments of life that rob time, energy and peace.
We examined how the nuanced experience of being hurt by a loved one is simplified through the prompt of the Saviour to directly approach the offending individual instead of turning to gossip or insisting they be the first to approach and apologize. We considered how forgiveness simplifies, not by dismissing harm, but by honouring hurt, acknowledging how it matters, and yet declaring, ‘debt cancelled’.
Everyone experiences the nuanced challenges of envy and jealousy too. A child might be jealous that an older sibling gets to stay up later. An employee may be envious when a less experienced co-worker, who just happens to be a relative of the boss, is promoted first. I know some priests have left here after a visit wondering why I deserve to serve in such a blessed community.
So often, we question why some should receive great blessings in life; some seem to have it all, while we’re left behind. Why can some eat anything and never get fat? Why do some seem to be constantly surrounded with friends or opportunities? Why do some get to be beautiful or rich or both? These questions easily lead to the complicated, nuanced, experiences of envy and jealousy.
Now, Jealousy isn’t always bad. Of course, it can lead to greed or selfishness, but not always. Combined with love, jealousy drives God to do all he can to lead his people to his Kingdom. That same combination will drive someone to do anything to make their spouse happy and keep their children safe. Jealousy can motivate a student to study hard and achieve the grade they know they’re worth.
Envy, however, sadness over the blessings others receive, is always bad. In the parable from today’s Gospel, those who worked the hardest for God expressed the sentiment, “…These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us…”[i]. Their concern is extremely relatable; they feel things are unfair.
Lust, lies, selfishness, greed and gluttony, pride, even anger: really most sin comes with some promise for at least short-term pleasure, it’s what makes sin so tempting. Envy, however, is just misery from beginning to end. Because of envy, the workers from the parable were unable to find joy in the blessings they did receive. They were unable to enjoy the invitation to share in God’s work or to receive their pay. Envy conspired to ruin their relationship with God, to confuse the generosity of God with injustice.
Through envy, the blessings of others brings sadness, fueling the belief that their blessings takes away from your own. Through envy, God himself seems unfair, life seems empty and being a disciple seems a life of toil instead of a life of abundance. Through envy, joy is impossible to find because someone always has more; there’s always someone who’s traveled more, has better behaved kids, a better job, better health, better bank account, the list is endless.
The envious workers from today’s parable did do one thing right: they brought their concerns to God who pointed out how, regardless of how long or how hard they had worked, the blessings others received took nothing away from their own blessings. There was no injustice; they got the wage they deserved.
If you find yourself filled with the misery of envy, first stop giving attention to the blessings of others. If the workers from the parable had not been stuck making comparisons with one another, they could have recognized and enjoyed their blessings. Next, gratitude can be a remedy for envy. Regularly look for God’s blessings in your life, they’re not always obvious, and give him thanks; maybe start a practice of saying grace before a meal. This shifts focus from others to your own relationship with God.
Finally, spend time with loving friends who build up and point out the blessings of life, who offer reminders of your goodness and value. Turn to God, especially, who demonstrates just what each of us are worth to him. Rich or poor, sinner or saint, intelligent, holy or talented: it doesn’t matter; to God you’re worth dying for. This simplifies life, eliminates envy by removing the temptation to compare with others and to instead see how blessings aren’t found in having more than others, but in being loved by the maker.
With the nuances of envy eliminated, disciples find joy in the blessings others receive. With envy abolished, our eyes are opened to recognize and enjoy blessings received. Without the weight of envy, those who follow the Saviour give him praise for repeatedly inviting each to share in his work and in his generosity.
We give you praise, maker of all, for sending the Saviour who simplifies our lives through the offering of his own. Through the guidance of your Spirit, direct our eyes and hearts towards you, so we would recognize your blessings and joyfully accept your invitation to share in your work, your love and your life. We offer all our prayers in the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
[i] Matthew 20:12 NRSVCE
