Greetings on this the Friday of the Second Week of Lent
Readings: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a; Psalm 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21; Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
Summary
In today’s readings we encounter the reality of our rejection of God by way of rejecting his beloved. In our first reading Joseph betrayed by his brothers because ‘dad loves him more’. In our gospel reading, they coveted the property and inheritance of the son. This jealousy kills both victim and victimizer. Thankfully the Lord looks beyond such weaknesses and brings restoration and salvation to all.
Joseph Betrayed by His Brothers
They then sat down to their meal. Looking up, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, their camels laden with gum, balm and resin to be taken down to Egypt. Judah said to his brothers: “What is to be gained by killing our brother and concealing his blood? Rather, let us sell him to these Ishmaelites, instead of doing away with him ourselves. After all, he is our brother, our own flesh.” His brothers agreed. They sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver (Gen 37:25-28a).
Jesus betrayed by His Brothers
[As taught by way of the parable] But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.’ They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him (MT 21:38-39).
The Lord will Not Abandon His Beloved
Joseph
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Look, I put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” With that, Pharaoh took off his signet ring* and put it on Joseph’s finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck (Gen 41:41-42).
Jesus
Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes? (MT 21:42).
Personal Reflection
Jealousy is an angry beast. Joseph was loved by his father and his brothers jealous of this special consideration. Jesus was beloved of the people and his father and the leadership / powerful were jealous of this special consideration. How we are impoverished by our jealousies! How we covet love beyond the amazing love already ours!
God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son; so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life (Jn 3:16).
Change of Heart
In this time of Lent shall we not focus otherwise?
- On the fact that you are invited to a beautiful life in love of the begotten one?
- Is not this love enough for us that comparisons are not the basis of our awareness?
- Is not this divine love a marvel for our human family?
Generative AI Helpful Explanation
See image here which outlines How to Avoid Jealousy.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032125.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry