Friday of the Second Week of Lent

 

Friday of the Second Week of Lent

 

Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a

Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

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.

 

 FR. JAYARAJU MANTHENA OCD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday of the Second Week of Lent

Jeremiah 17:5-10

Luke 16:19-31

 

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, today we reflect on the topic of Trust. It is defined as a firm belief in the truth and ability of someone. Trust is built on relationships. So Trust is that it must be earned and learned, it must be earned by the other person through his words and deeds and it is also learned over the years, does not occur instantly. As children we trust our parents, as we grow we learn to trust in others and sometimes we misplace it too because to be honest others can let us down intentionally or unintentionally.

The readings provide us with in depth explanation and instructs us to be careful.  Prophet Jeremiah makes a distinction between two kinds of people, on one hand

A person who solely puts his trust in others, his strength, and keeps God away. It is not wrong to trust others and our strength but not at the cost of ignoring God. he is a kind of person who immerses himself with material goods, overly self reliant, self confident on his strength and feels entitled and too much trust on others might lead to excuses, taking advantage of others.

When there is this kind of unchecked trust, as the prophet Jeremiah tells “ He is like a barren bush, there is no life and prosperity; empty and void. His life is measured by what he possesses, not what he is in relation to himself, others and God. it may even lead to unfaithfulness, dishonesty, and personal injury.

On the other hand,  the second person is one who trusts and hopes in the Lord.  “He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit”.

We know God is loving and faithful, his message and promises are very clear. Therefore those who trust in God are not abandoned. Since he is in touch with the Lord and fixes his focus on God, come what may there is nothing to be afraid or distressed. He is not shaken by any situation, or feeling for the source of strength and sustenance is with him. Therefore trusting him means believing, accepting his words and promises; building a relationship with God.he is blessed with protection, provision and guidance and care.

In the Gospel too, a distinction is made between two people, Rich man and Lazarus. This is a familiar story to all of us. The rich man was immersed in his riches, in his comforts and totally immersed in himself ignoring the existence of another person at his gate. His life was in his riches and his trust was in the ability of his wealth.

Whereas the poor man called Lazarus was hungry and sick, longing for scraps to fill his stomach. These are two contrasting conditions.

God became sole hope and trust to Lazarus, so after his death he received the companionship of God whereas the rich man lost the presence of God.

Dear friends, therefore let us decide which side we are on?

●     Do we trust God or ignore God?

●     Do we measure our life just by material wealth, status and power or measure by the riches our good relationship with God and others, a life of caring and sharing?

We live in a world of extreme individualism, consumerism and hedonism. The word of God today thus invites us to turn away from them and trust in God and Care for one another.

 

FR. MANTHENA JAYARAJU OCD

 

Wednesday of the Second Week of Lent

Jeremiah 18:18-20

Gospel Matthew 20:17-28

Sanctify them by the TRUTH, Your Word is the TRUTH ( John 17:17)

The TRUTH will set you free. (John 8:22)

Dear Brothers and sisters in christ jesus, it is a known fact that today we are fed with lies, take for any media outlets we will find a different world altogether. But this is wrapped in a beautiful and colourful sheet. Truth is presented as lies and Lies are truth. This is done for the vested interests of some individuals and institutions. The fact is that truth is hijacked and lies are fed with biassed agenda and vain hopes and manipulate us.

In the first reading,  when Jeremiah conveyed to the people of God’s message, they did not take it well. They considered it uncomfortable and painful, and he is seen as a trouble maker. They were not ready to accept the message.

The message was that they were disobedient,and unfaithful and rejected God's ways and walked in the wrong direction.

However, they were happy with the message because they made themselves comfortable with lies, false ways, false messages that’s why they were not ready to listen instead they thought of getting him out of their way. They were hijacked by lies and want to go their own way. So plotted against him, even to kill him.

He spoke the Truth from God, declared the message of God, defended them from the wrath of God. all that he wanted for good for them. But the consequence was different for speaking Truth. He fulfilled his calling, speaking truth and good of the people.

In the Gospel, he mentions again about the truth of his passion, suffering, death and resurrection.  He will be mocked,  dragged and rejected.  But the disciples had different understanding of Messiah, they thought of Political Messiah. That’s why the mother of James and John comes to ask for privileged seats at His right  and left side. Even other disciples too were fueled with anger and jealousy about this tactic. 

But he makes them aware about the Truth of following Him, that they have to carry the cross, endure the pain and suffering and be ready to lay down one's life for the Truth. They have to resemble Him in every way. Jesus said “ I am the Truth, the Way and the Life”

Dear friends, therefore when we look at society or the world in general it does not want to face the Truth, in fact it wants to silence the Truth and people who speak Truth. We witness it everyday.

Instead some individuals and institutions want to replace it with their propaganda and agenda, manipulating and dominating others. And also feeding with lies, showing complacency and compromisation in everything thus leading in the wrong direction. Sometimes we do not know this but it is done in a subtle way.

Though we may face hurdles, though people are against us plotting our destruction, we are invited to empower people with Truth, not with pleasing , sugar coated words which leads people away from reality.

It's a reminder that we need to be liberated from the clutches of manipulative and false notions and be  ambassadors of Truth. Truth hurts but it will set free.

So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate (Ephesians 6:14)

Truthful lips endure forever, the lying tongue, for only a moment.(Proverbs 12:19)

 FR. JAYARAJU MANTHENA OCD

 

 

 

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

Isaiah 1:10, 16-20

Mt 23:1-12

Hypocrisy ➡️ Honesty

 

Dear Brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, the readings of the day strictly warns us of  the false attitude we develop under the guise of religiosity (devotion) and goodness.

 

In the first reading, Prophet Isaiah addresses the people, and the leaders as princes of Sodom and people of Gomorrah, very strong words to call them like that. But God saw them in a similar situation, evil in their actions and rebelling, disobeying and sinning against God. At the same time they were behaving and doing all kinds of religious activities presuming that God would be pleased. However, the prophet clearly states God does not accept this dichotomy between their external disposition through offerings and internal evil nature. They are full of dishonesty and hypocrisy.

Similarly in the Gospel too, Jesus points out the hypocrisy of Pharisees in general but it can be applied to all of us, the elders, the leaders.

Jesus states that

●     They don’t practise what they preach

●     They do superficially in order to attract admiration and appreciation.

 

They act as the authority in relation to spiritual and religious matters, they are happy to lay burdens on others but not ready to help. They are happy to preach extensively from one end to another but not ready to internalise the practicality of it.

In general, we know with regard to certain authorities we expect them to be aware of their field and we are happy to listen.  the doctor about things medical, the lawyer about things legal, the priest about things spiritual, the parent about family matters.

Unfortunately there is even in our society and community  today a lot of dishonesty and hypocrisy in people’s attitude and there is a void of integrity and honesty in us, also in the authoritative figures in their fields. People are after fancy admiration than factual fostering of one's life.

God indeed condemns this behaviour and warns strictly but his desire is not to punish unless we deserve. Instead He calls upon us for a change of heart, change of behaviour, repentance.

Therefore the Lord says “Wash yourselves clean! Come now, let us set things right”.(Isaiah 1:16) He wishes to make our life wholesome again, and blessed abundantly.

And how are we to wash ourselves clean and make things right. Is it just by increasing our prayers, our offerings and making a repentant prayer or just confession alone.

In addition to that,

★    Cease to do evil and impure things

★    Depart from all the occasions of temptations, doing wrong.

★    And justice to be our aim

★    redress the wrong done to others, that is to rectify or repay ( like Zacchaues)

★    Hear the orphan and defend the widow, in other words take care of the needy, weak and vulnerable or neglected people around.

Therefore every authoritative behaviour clubbed with arrogance and dominance and presuming the superior needs to be avoided.  Rather through empowering and enabling others one can wash clean. One can free from the clutches of the fantasy world, false honesty, admiration and appreciation.

 

As a result there is hope of being accepted by God and being blessed accordingly.

God blesses us when we present ourselves honestly before with all our mistakes, imperfection but if we try to act, disguise, refuse and resist and crave for the title and authority. God does not accept, He is not pleased with us.  So let this lent be  a time to turn from hypocrisy to honesty.

 

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they may become white as snow; Though they be crimson red, they may become white as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

whoever humbles himself will be exalted."( Matthew 223:12)

Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

Isaiah 1:10, 16-20

Mt 23:1-12

Hypocrisy ➡️ Honesty

 

Dear Brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, the readings of the day strictly warns us of  the false attitude we develop under the guise of religiosity (devotion) and goodness.

 

In the first reading, Prophet Isaiah addresses the people, and the leaders as princes of Sodom and people of Gomorrah, very strong words to call them like that. But God saw them in a similar situation, evil in their actions and rebelling, disobeying and sinning against God. At the same time they were behaving and doing all kinds of religious activities presuming that God would be pleased. However, the prophet clearly states God does not accept this dichotomy between their external disposition through offerings and internal evil nature. They are full of dishonesty and hypocrisy.

Similarly in the Gospel too, Jesus points out the hypocrisy of Pharisees in general but it can be applied to all of us, the elders, the leaders.

Jesus states that

●     They don’t practise what they preach

●     They do superficially in order to attract admiration and appreciation.

 

They act as the authority in relation to spiritual and religious matters, they are happy to lay burdens on others but not ready to help. They are happy to preach extensively from one end to another but not ready to internalise the practicality of it.

In general, we know with regard to certain authorities we expect them to be aware of their field and we are happy to listen.  the doctor about things medical, the lawyer about things legal, the priest about things spiritual, the parent about family matters.

Unfortunately there is even in our society and community  today a lot of dishonesty and hypocrisy in people’s attitude and there is a void of integrity and honesty in us, also in the authoritative figures in their fields. People are after fancy admiration than factual fostering of one's life.

God indeed condemns this behaviour and warns strictly but his desire is not to punish unless we deserve. Instead He calls upon us for a change of heart, change of behaviour, repentance.

Therefore the Lord says “Wash yourselves clean! Come now, let us set things right”.(Isaiah 1:16) He wishes to make our life wholesome again, and blessed abundantly.

And how are we to wash ourselves clean and make things right. Is it just by increasing our prayers, our offerings and making a repentant prayer or just confession alone.

In addition to that,

★    Cease to do evil and impure things

★    Depart from all the occasions of temptations, doing wrong.

★    And justice to be our aim

★    redress the wrong done to others, that is to rectify or repay ( like Zacchaues)

★    Hear the orphan and defend the widow, in other words take care of the needy, weak and vulnerable or neglected people around.

Therefore every authoritative behaviour clubbed with arrogance and dominance and presuming the superior needs to be avoided.  Rather through empowering and enabling others one can wash clean. One can free from the clutches of the fantasy world, false honesty, admiration and appreciation.

 

As a result there is hope of being accepted by God and being blessed accordingly.

God blesses us when we present ourselves honestly before with all our mistakes, imperfection but if we try to act, disguise, refuse and resist and crave for the title and authority. God does not accept, He is not pleased with us.  So let this lent be  a time to turn from hypocrisy to honesty.

 

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they may become white as snow; Though they be crimson red, they may become white as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

whoever humbles himself will be exalted."( Matthew 223:12)

FR. JAYARAJU MANTHENA OCD

Monday of the Second Week in Lent

 

Monday of the Second Week in Lent

Daniel 9:4b-10

Luke 6:36-38

The Confession of a Man and the Compassion of God 

“I prayed to the LORD, my God, and confessed” (Daniel 9:4b )

Jesus said: "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:36) 

The season of Lent is a time of faith journey to repair the broken relationships with God, others and oneself, and we have the best tool in the form of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). The Sins, our burdens, cares and anxieties and everything of that sort tries to knock us down and inflict an internal injury to the soul so as to keep us away from Grace. However in Confession God offers us compassion and forgiveness, energised by that we can continue our journey. We will not remain stranded. (Psalm 55:22; & 1 Peter 5:7)

 

Today’s readings exactly take us into depths of our imperfection and into the depths of God’s perfection. Here we have the perfect model of Confession.

The context was that Prophet Daniel learned about the decree of the Lord pronounced through Prophet Jeremiah that Jerusalem will be in ruins for seventy years. It is in this context Daniel makes a genuine and fervent confession pleading for God’s mercy.

We too can inculcate this confession into our lives as it manifests perfectly how one has to make honest prayer and confession. 

❖    He acknowledges the perfection of God in his Nature 

❖    He acknowledges the faithfulness of the Lord in his promises and blessings

❖    He also confesses the imperfection of the people of israel

➔   He confesses it with true sorrow and repentance for the failing in observing the covenant and commandments.

➔   He confesses it with genuine humility and reverence

➔   He accepts with contrite heart that they have gone astray

“ We have sinned( doing all kinds of evil & impure acts), we have rebelled (strayed away from His life giving presence), we have not obeyed (neither the message, the eternal Word nor messengers), we are shamefaced (utterly shattered & broken)”

These words manifest the genuine heart of a person who truly feels the need of returning to God and portray that God is the sole healer/repairer.

 

It’s an invitation for all of us, we have failed, Sinned, rebelled and disobeyed and ashamed of our acts. However our confessions are regularly focused only on or utter something about lies, distractions and temperament and so on.  We all need mercy and forgiveness; the healing and repairs.

It’s a time for us to confess and convert, renew and change.

Time to be open with oneself

Time to acknowledge ourselves, where we have failed and need of change

We must go in deeper and confess our failed relationship with Him and others and ourselves. That’s why we need to confess our failing in relation to others too.

Jesus states "Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.

The Gospel today suggests that we are not in a position to judge and condemn others, it is not that we have to be blind to the mistakes but follow the path of mercy and forgiveness. But we seldom help them to correct their ways, but we invest a lot of time in criticising and backbiting rather than reforming them. 

Take for a moment to see, our conversations and media outlets are full of judgement and condemning even sometimes with no evidence. we turn to blame others, and point fingers at others' faults. Somehow we make someone a victim or scapegoat.

In our chitchats and gatherings it is all about trying to judge, condemn others and their faults. We lack compassion for our brothers and sisters.

Therefore,

●     The first reminds us to confess to repair the relationship with God, the Father

●     The Gospel calls upon us to repair that relationship with our brothers and sisters.

 

Once we open ourselves to God, His mercy is guaranteed. But yours, O Lord, our God, are compassion and forgiveness!(Daniel 9:19)

❖    But Confession is not a clearance certificate for us to condemn others

❖    but a Channel of  Communication: of God’s mercy, compassion and forgiveness to others, the measure we communicate to the measure we receive in return.

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. ((Psalm 55:22) 

Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.(1 Peter 5:7) 

“But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved.”  (Ephesians 2:4-5)

FR. JAYARAJU MANTHENA OCD