Friday of the Second Week of Lent
Genesis 37:3-4,
12-13a, 17b-28a
FROM REJECTION TO CORNERSTONE
The New Testament lies hidden in the Old and the Old Testament
is unveiled in the New - St. Augustine
“The stone that the builders
rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is
wonderful in our eyes?” (Psalm 118:
Dear
brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, the readings explain how from a rejection
one can be transformed into Cornerstone with the grace of God.
In the first reading, we
hear about the story of Joseph being sold. Being the last child He was loved by
his Father Jacob and God gifted him with the wisdom to interpret dreams. On
account of these, He was hated and rejected by his brothers. First they wanted
to kill him but later decided to sell as a slave to Egypt, perhaps they might
have heard about the Cain and Abel story. However, God turned his adverse
condition into a great blessing. He was raised to the position of chief
minister in Pharaoh's court and the Cornerstone in the time of famine for
Israelites and many other nations in their dire need. This story of Joseph has many parallels to the life of Jesus and
especially today’s Gospel.
In the Gospel,
we hear about the parable of the vineyard. We can consider today’s Gospel as a summary of the Gospel.
●
The owner of Vineyard
is obviously God
●
The vineyard, the
people of God.
●
The tenants represent
the elders and leaders who are caretakers of the vineyard.
●
The Servants sent by
God represent Prophets,other messengers and faithful, who were beaten, stoned
and killed.
●
Finally, God sent his
beloved Son, assuming that they would respect and listen but the tenants had
different plans, they wanted to kill and take complete ownership of the
vineyard. In Fact they kill the son, but are unable to take it. Because the
owner brings them to their wretched end.
●
And it was leased to
new tenants, who would believe Jesus, son of God, the saviour.
Jesus
was rejected and killed became the cornerstone. After he was rejected and
crucified He became the saviour of all humankind through his death and
resurrection.
Dear
Brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, reflecting on the story of Joseph and the
Parable of the Day during this time of lent remind us that:
1.
God can bring forth
good outcomes even amidst evil or bad situations/circumstances. Let us not
worry about our current situation but offer it to the lord, he will transform
it for a better outcome.
2.
No one should be
rejected on the basis of their situation but to cooperate with the grace of God
to make one another better individuals and family and community.
కామెంట్లు లేవు:
కామెంట్ను పోస్ట్ చేయండి