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’? – Matt 21: 42

Reflection

The Church’s readings today, Friday of the Second Week of Lent, focus on the matter of rejection.

In the first reading from the book of Genesis 37, Joseph is rejected by his brothers because of their father’s abundant love for him. They became jealous of him. To make matters worse, Joseph repeatedly had dreams about his brothers serving him.

So when their father sent him out to the field to give food to his brothers, they plotted to kill him.

Reuben intervened on his behalf, asking his brothers to spare his life, as he secretly intended to return him back to their father, but when Reuben was away, his brothers sold him as a slave.

No one can imagine, the pain that Jacob felt when he found out that his dearly loved son, Joseph, was possibly devoured by wild animals out in the field (which was what he thought when he saw Joseph’s shredded coat mingled with blood).

Similarly, in the gospel today, Jesus narrates the dilemma of a father who has his only son killed by the tenants in his vineyard, because they were rebellious to the owner of the vineyard, and jealous of his son.

Both readings, ultimately point to how Jesus was rejected and crucified on Calvary.

They remind us that each time we fail to obey the Father, we ultimately reject Jesus and his saving work on the Cross.

In a sense, our rebellion towards God is comparable to the rebellion of the tenants in the vineyard.

The call to repentance from our Heavenly Father, is constant, as He wishes us to turn away from our wicked ways and walk in the Light of His Grace.

As He assured St Paul, “my grace is sufficient for you, for power is made manifest in weakness” – 2 Corinthians 12: 9.

Indeed God’s assurance to Paul was proved even before, through the lives of Joseph, and Jesus.

Despite their rejection and turmoil, Joseph in his absolute weakness as a slave and then as a prisioner in Egypt held steadfastly to God… and God raised him high. He exalted him to the position of second highest in the land. Surely only God can do this!

The same in the life of Christ. Through many tears and sorrows, He suffered death and was buried.

But ALLELUIA! for the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus!

For as St Peter describes in Acts 2: 24, “God destroyed the cords of death and raised him up, because it was impossible for death’s power to hold him prisoner.”

Alleluia! What a MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!

So today, the message from Christ is for us to

• Repent from rebellion and return to our Father.
• Be consoled if we are experiencing rejection from loved ones or friends, or even strangers – for the society at large today, rejects what it does not fully understand. The same happened in the time of Christ.

As we hold steadfastly to Christ our cornerstone, we have a sure guarantee of promise that He would never leave us, or forsake us – but will fill us with His power and victory. Alleluia! Amen.

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, today our hearts cry out to You for mercy.

As we recall the parable of the rebellious tenants, we also recall our sins of rebellion and pride.

Lord, we are sorry, please forgive us.

Equip us with Your Grace to ‘begin again’. Amen.

We also pray Lord for those of us who are suffering rejection of any kind especially for our faith in You.

Come to our aid Lord, and bring about the victory of Your sacrifice and death upon the cross into our lives.

That in this season of Lent as we walk in Your Divine footsteps, we may experience a new kind of refreshing.

So that as we enter into the joyful season of Easter, our bonds too may be broken and we be set at liberty to do Your Will and experience Your victory.

Father, we ask all this in the Name of Your dearly Beloved Son, Jesus. Amen.

 

Always & Forever,

To The Lamb.