By Amala William, CSC –
Readings: Gen 37: 3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28; Mt 21:33-43, 45-46
In the first reading, Joseph’s brothers are filled with jealousy and rebelled against him who in the later years ruled over the kingdom of Egypt.
The Gospel is about the wicked tenants. God is the owner of the vineyard and his prophets are the servants sent to warn the wicked laborers. They killed all of them brutally. Now, God sent his only son, but they did not mind him, but rejected and killed him. His death brought salvation to all. I would like to reflect upon the rejection part of it. The prophets and Son were rejected out of anger and fear of losing one’s status.
In today’s world when someone does things differently, it will be damned. This may have been experienced by many of us from childhood either from the family or friends. Thomas Edison, who is considered to be a great scientist, was a dull student because of which the institute sacked him from continuing studies. Edison’s mother and former teacher encouraged and solely supported his studies at home. He became the only scientist who has to his credit (individually & collectively) 1,093 patents.
The world rejected him based on his early academic performance. Jesus’ teachings were not accepted by the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus was never discouraged and knew what the will of the Father is. He did everything plainly and spoke clearly to all. Let our prayer be, ‘Jesus, you be the inspiration of us all, in every moment of our lives that we may stand with you to face this world boldly.’