Friday of the Second Week of Lent - March 21

Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

When reading the passages from Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28, Psalm 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21 (the story of Joseph) and Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 (the Parable of the Tenants) I identify a few prominent themes across all.

First, is the underlying theme of envy and jealousy. Joseph’s brothers are jealous of him because he is their father’s favorite (symbolized by the special tunic) and the tenants envy the landlord’s wealth and ownership of the vineyard. Next is the theme of betrayal. Joseph's own brothers betray him when selling him as a slave, and the tenants betray the landlord’s trust when they decide to kill the messengers and landlord’s son. The last major theme that I felt was apparent was God’s providence and justice. Despite Joseph's suffering when sold as a slave, God's providence is at work. His journey was part of a divine plan that ultimately leads to him becoming the ‘lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions’. The parable foretells God's justice, where the wicked tenants are punished, and the vineyard is then entrusted to others who will produce its fruits.

When reflecting on both stories, it was hard to not acknowledge how relevant they are to today’s society. Envy, jealousy, and betrayal are rampant through society. Innocent individuals are regularly harmed because of others' jealousy towards them. All too many are short-sighted and forget God’s plan and eventual justice.

These stories serve as a valuable lesson to all. Envy and jealousy can result in unchecked destructive power. Each of us must examine our own actions and attitudes. We must rise above jealousy and betrayal, trust in God’s plan, remain steadfast in times of suffering, and trust in God’s ultimate justice.

Q: When have I experienced jealousy or betrayal in my own life? What did I do? What could I have done differently?

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