The rich man of the village owned large tracts of land. He had several workers, whom he did not treat with dignity. Mostly, they were bonded laborers and belonged to a lower stratum of society and had to work without pay. They were paid with some grains and dress once a year. The owner would walk to his fields to see how his people were working. They would be working under hot sun, sweating and groaning. He will have two servants; one to hold an umbrella and another to fan him. He was least concerned about them.
In the same area, there lived a group of people involved in weaving. They used to weave sarees for women. Later their sarees were popular among Christian teachers with small and big check designs. To make a saree the weaver had to do 70000 to 80000 hand and leg movements. During initial days they had to work in hot sun; soaking the thread in hot water with colors, twisting, and winding, then it was dried and weaved. Bishop Garett visiting them saw them working under hot sun, sweating profusely. With a shepherd’s heart he arranged a shelter so that they could work in the shade. About 20 people could work simultaneously under the shed. Which is still in existence in Sawyerpuram region of Tamil Nadu. (Unknown Christianity by Nivedita Louis) In addition, he made sure that their children go to school. These children got educated, went to work, and became middle class in one generation.
The Bible teaches the Royal Law: Love your neighbor as yourself. (Mark 12:31) Treating others with dignity and love is important. The rich man did not think about the welfare of his bonded slaves. These slaves’ descendants will continue to be slaves. Lord Jesus Christ was moved with compassion when he saw people like sheep without shepherds. (Matthew 9:36) Following the Good Shepherd, Bishop Garett also acted to reduce their pain, discomfort, and suffering. Paul writes that disciples should be zealous for doing good works. (Titus 2:14)
Am I zealous in doing good work?