Reading I: Genesis 37:3-4,13-13,17-28,
Psalm 104(5): 16-21,
Gospel: Mat: 21: 33-43, 45-46 Full Readings
Remember the wonders that the Lord has done even the stone which was rejected has become the cornerstone.
Today's readings point out a very fundamental theme, God does wonders according to his plan. The first Reading presents to us envious brothers of Joseph who plot to kill him, for his God given gifts and for being loved by Israel (Israel means Jacob his father). However his brother Reuben intervenes and tries to save him until he is sold to Ishmaelites, and taken as a slave in Egypt. We all know how the story ended, and how he finally came to the rescue of Israel in times of famine.
In our lives, there are people who are not happy with who we are, what we do, with the talents we have, what we have, not happy with our personality and with our successes in life.
This is the reality in which we are living. These people are not from far, it can be our parents, our siblings, our closest friends, your fellows in the community, our fellows at work and anywhere. There are the ones who are always plotting our downfall. Even my closest friend who ate my bread has turned against me (Psalm 41:9). However, not all are the same but for real there are few individuals who are always against us.
From the first Reading, we see that with all the rejection and plotting to kill Joseph, God did not give him utterly to the teeth of the lion, He had a plan for him, to make him the saviour of his people. This is an encouragement to us that even if all are against us, God is always on our side trying to fulfill his plan for us. In fact he uses our enemies to fulfill his plan for us as well as showing his glory through us, then why should we be worried that we have been rejected, they don't like what we do, they are envious and even when they give us all sorts of insults. Provide we are doing the right thing and fulfilling the mission God has entrusted us in this world, there is no need to fear and become afraid. Yesterday we reflected upon trust and our ultimate trust should be in God for happy is the one who has placed his trust in God, therefore, when we trust in God, we shall surely stand against all evil plotted against us. For God says in Isaiah, even if you mother forgets you, I will never forget you. God has the plan for us let us not worry.
The first Reading also invites us to go back and reflect on our lives, who are the people who have acted like Reuben in our life, who saved you in time of greatest need and saved you from danger; thank God for him and thank that person too. Again how have you come to the rescue of your friend, your neighbor, your family members and even strangers? In doing so you have been God to that person.
These questions can also be reflected in the other way round: How have I become indifferent to people by not coming to their rescue, how have I myself plotted evil and curses against my parents, children, friends, and even strangers? How have I kept quiet when injustice is going on, when we know we can do something but we become indifferent? How have I been envious, jealousy, wished curses death and even madness to my fellows, because of who they are, what they have, what they do and all their talents? What are things I have done not good to my neighbor and contrary to the will of God?
Let us thank God for all that we have done well and on the other hand ask for forgiveness for where we have not been good, let us make peace with our family , friends and neighbors for we never know what future holds for us. Joseph's brothers would not even think thanks he would one day become their refugee. Also that person you are not good to might one day be of great help for you, for the gospel tells us the stone which was rejected has become the cornerstone.
Jesus himself was rejected, put to test and finally killed. Today his name is glorified and known by everyone, even non-believers. Jesus was rejected even in his own village Nazareth but that did not stop him to accomplish the mission of his father, he even tells us that we shall also be rejected and so we have to be ready.
The deep truth is that rejection is potentially one of the greatest gifts we have to fight against evil. It’s “potentially” one of the greatest gifts because it all depends on how we ultimately respond. Jesus responded with perfect love when he cried out, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” This act of perfect love in the midst of His ultimate rejection enabled Him to become the “Cornerstone” of the Church and, therefore, the Cornerstone of new life! We are called to imitate this love and to share in His ability to not only forgive, but to also offer the holy love of mercy. When we do, we also will become a cornerstone of love and grace for those who need it the most. When we respond to rejection with love then it becomes an important tool for our mission.
Lastly the gospel invites us to take good care of what we have been entrusted to both in our daily social, political, economic, family life and then spiritually, the word of God, his chosen people he has given to minister us, his teachings and the gift of the kingdom he has given us characterised justice, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Otherwise if we don't all will be taken from us and given to responsible ones.
As we observe the Lent let's remember to pray for our intentions but also for the pandemic disease Corona virus which is ruining the world. We ask God for his Mercy and knowledge to pharmacists in order to get a remedy.
Wish you blessed Lenten period.
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