Posted by The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Edgardo Bugtong SVD – Taiwan
Tuesday 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
In Taiwan, on Sundays or holidays, it’s not unusual to see foreign workers, (Filipinos, Indonesians, Vietnamese, Thailanders, etc.) gather in churches, parks, train stations, or Mcdonalds.
Here they would tell stories mostly of frustration and anger over their employment conditions. But a few stories are joyful – how employers are nice to them too.
Are these employers naturally trusting or naturally good that they treat their workers this way? I have been in this place for almost two decades and have heard enough stories from Taiwanese employers who have trusted much but were taken advantage of or abused by their employees.
The natural consequence is distrust of household helpers that came after. Some would even prefer the Indonesians over Filipinos because the latter are “masyadong matalino” (too smart).
It’s quite sad to hear this but this is the reality. We also need to ask ourselves, in retrospect, how we are as servants.
The spirit of today’s gospel is to be faithful to the master. And being faithful means doing well what we are obliged to do. And, to win the master’s heart, we do more than what we are asked of.
I believe that this is what made these good employers remain good or even made them treat their workers as their own family member.
