Readings:
Genesis 37:3-4,12-13,17-28
Matthew 21:33-43,45-46
In today’s readings, we find a theme of God working all things out for good (Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28). In our first reading and Psalm, we are reminded of the story of Joseph, a tale that went from betrayal and suffering to redemption. God was with him the whole time, using it for good, ultimately uniting and saving his entire family and the Israelites from famine and death. In fact, we can draw many comparisons between Joseph and Jesus: both beloved, both betrayed, both imprisoned, and both, through their sufferings, brought triumph and victory.
It is this aspect that Jesus highlights in the parable of the tenants. There is a clear analogy presented in this parable: God is the landowner, the tenants are us or the Israelites, the servants are the prophets killed, and the son of the landowner is Jesus. Jesus cleverly catches the chief priests off guard, prompting them to admit their wrongdoing against God in their rejection of Jesus, but their hearts are too hardened.
However, we know that the model of the Good News is that the things often perceived as bad turn out to bring the most amount of good. God’s wonderful, merciful, redemptive love is incomprehensible to us. At a time when humans showed more and more evil, God poured on more of His love by sending His only Son (Genesis 37:14, Matthew 21:37; John 3:16).
Perhaps today, reflect on the areas of rejection, sin, and shame in your life where God wants to pour more and more love. Have faith and trust that God will work out all things for His good in your life, turning your eyes to Jesus on the cross
Claire O’Donohue is a current Oxley Passionist Youth Retreat Team member. While also in her final year of university, she is completing her bachelor’s degree with a major in visual art and theology.