AN EVIL EYE - A: 25th Sun in OrdTime

Gospel: Mt 20:1-16 (24 Sept 2017)

Most English Bible versions present a phrase in Mt 20:15 as “Are you envious?” as seen in ESV, NET, and NRSV, among others. Actually, this is only the dynamic translation of the Greek phrase “ophthalmos sou poneros;” which literally is “Is your eye evil?” (take notice of its cognate “ophthalmology” which is the study of the eye). Both renditions are correct depending on the orientation of the biblical publication we use: pastoral, academic, liturgical, spiritual, etc.

Still, we can learn something significant in this semantic jargon, i.e., being envious is synonymous with having an evil eye. This claim is corroborated in Mk 7:22 where we have in the list of personal sins “envy” which is found in the Greek as “ophthalmos poneros.”

In the Filipino vernacular, “having an evil eye” is better put as “ang sama makatingin” (“staring with contempt”). This phrase is usually applied to people who are suspicious of the activity of another, quite near to the idea of an animal’s hostility against its purported prey/predator. It is like having a countenance of animosity.

Hence, envy is not only limited to the idea of jealousy, but it stems from the very hatred confined in the self and bursting out in the eyes and actions.

Applying this concept into our gospel today, it can be said that the workers’ complaint to the landowner is not only a quest for justice but is equivalent to saying: “we are angry against you and those who worked less because you all preyed on us!” Yet, the landowner defended his actions with grace. Instead of slamming against the complainants, he showed his merciful, generous, and loving heart.

He doesn’t have any “evil eye” against anybody, but he shows his “good eye” especially to the marginalized: the last-hour workers who were unqualified to work were given a chance to earn their living.

Last September 21, 2017, the Philippine President allocated the day as a time for National Protest. I appreciate this act because it allowed all sectors to speak their sides, tell their stories, and open their grievances to the public. However, if there is still an “evil eye” behind the contrite faces of our government leaders, an intent on eliminating political enemies and hardening their stance on their oppressing anti-poor policies, this beautiful gesture becomes a mere show. What they need to imitate is the landowner’s magnanimity and gentleness; to convince everybody that they have no “evil eye” against anyone, but a “good eye” especially for the poor.

But this is far from happening if they see all criticisms as “Yellow”. This only proves that they have indeed bad eyesight, or so to say, an “evil eye” against their critiques.

- Rex Fortes, CM