THE DANGER OF SECURITY
Ask any employer and they will tell you a curious observation. While definitely not a generalization, contractual employees tend to perform
better
and are more conscientious of their work compared to their regular
counterparts. I am not endorsing here the practice of contractual
employment. That is inconsistent with the demands of social justice. Job
security is a right any employee should be given and every employer
should uphold.
But just a remark on the employers’ observation. Why is it that
contractual workers seem to take their work more seriously compared to
their regular counterparts? I think it’s because they are conscious that
they do not have a hold on their jobs, that anytime, it can be taken
away from them. Familiarity breeds contempt indeed and job security can
sometimes foster an attitude of familiarity. I believe that even as we
should promote the right job security, we should always keep cultivating
a “contractual mentality.”
In the Gospel today, Jesus laments the “secure” attitude of Jerusalem
and all Israel for that matter. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you slay the
prophets and stone those who are sent to you” (v.34). They have been
privileged. To them the Word of God has been revealed. Constantly, the
prophets were sent to remind them of the patrimony given to them
undeservedly. But they ignored it. They have become complacent and
secure in their status as the chosen people. With a heavy heart, Jesus
warned them: “Your temple will be abandoned. I say to you, you shall not
see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is he who
comes in the name of the Lord’” (v.35). Fr. Joel O. Jason
REFLECTION
QUESTION: In what areas of your life do you think you have become so
secure that you need to reexamine them with a contractual mentality?
Lord
Jesus, I bless You for everything I am blessed with. Draw me out from
my complacency and let me cherish them with gratitude and
responsibility. Amen.
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