Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 5, Chapter 2
The Slave Who Did More Than He Was Told
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Similitude 5.2.1“Listen to the parable I am going to tell you about fasting.
Similitude 5.2.2“A man had a field and many slaves, and planted part of the field as a vineyard. He chose a faithful, pleasing, respected slave, called him over, and said to him, ‘Take this vineyard I have planted and stake it until I return, but do nothing else to the vineyard. Keep this command of mine, and I will set you free.’ Then the slave’s master went away on his journey.
Similitude 5.2.3“After he had gone, the slave took the vineyard and staked it. When he finished staking the vineyard, he saw that it was full of weeds.
Similitude 5.2.4“So he reasoned within himself, saying, ‘I have fulfilled this command of my lord. Now I will dig this vineyard. Once dug, it will look better; without weeds, it will give more fruit, since the weeds will no longer choke it.’ He set to work, dug the vineyard, and pulled out all the weeds in it. The vineyard became very beautiful and flourishing, with no weeds to choke it.
Similitude 5.2.5“After some time, the master of the slave and the field returned and entered the vineyard. When he saw the vineyard neatly staked and also dug, all the weeds pulled out, and the vines flourishing, he was very pleased with the slave’s work.
Similitude 5.2.6“So he summoned his beloved son, whom he had as his heir, and the friends he had as counselors. He told them everything he had commanded his slave and everything he had found accomplished. They congratulated the slave because of the testimony his master gave about him.
Similitude 5.2.7“He said to them, ‘I promised this slave freedom if he kept the command I gave him. He kept my command and added good work in the vineyard, and this pleased me greatly. In return for this work he has done, I want to make him a fellow heir with my son, because when he conceived a good deed, he did not pass it by, but carried it out.’
Similitude 5.2.8“The master’s son agreed with his decision that the slave should become a fellow heir with the son.
Similitude 5.2.9“A few days later, he held a dinner and sent the slave many dishes from it. The slave received the dishes his master sent, took enough for himself, and distributed the rest to his fellow slaves.
Similitude 5.2.10“His fellow slaves received the food joyfully and began praying for him to find still greater favor with the master, because he had treated them this way.
Similitude 5.2.11“His master heard everything that had happened and was again very pleased with his conduct. The master again summoned his friends and his son, and told them what the slave had done with the food he received. They were all the more willing that the slave should become a fellow heir with his son.”
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Saints Translation · Liturgical reading edition · V1 · working draft awaiting specialist review.