GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 17TH MARCH 2017
FRIDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF LENT
FIRST READING: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28
PSALM: Psalm 105:16-21
GOSPEL: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
THEME: DESTROY HIM
There are people who are experts in constructing roads, building bridges, digging boreholes and using their energies to bring relief to the poor and disadvantaged in society. Unfortunately, there are others too who have made it their life’s project to destroy. They take delight in destroying, particularly, their fellow human beings. These are people with an ‘attitudinal disorder’, a kind of ‘Pull Him Down’ syndrome. They suffer from a gnawing feeling of insecurity and erroneously believe that in snuffing out the bright light of another person, their flickering and dim light would be noticed.
In our First Reading, we have an account of how the brothers of Joseph sought to destroy him. What was the reason for their diabolic agenda? We are told, “When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him…” (Gen 37:4). They hatched their evil plot and eventually sold him into slavery.
The chief priests, Pharisees and other high profile leaders of the Jewish people also sought to pull Jesus down. In our Gospel text for today, Jesus uses a parable to expose their destructive scheme. He then proceeds to make the text of Psalm 118:22-23 his own – “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes” (Mat 21:42).
In seeking to destroy Joseph, his brothers only facilitated the process of lifting him up to become a governor in Egypt. Similarly, in seeking to pull Jesus down, the Jewish leaders inadvertently set the stage for the name of Jesus to be exalted above all other names and for the sorrowful mysteries of humanity to be transformed into a glorious mystery. Righteousness can never be pulled down; it will always be exalted.
Perhaps, just like Joseph and Jesus, you find yourself hemmed in by people who have set into motion an agenda to destroy you. Do not let your heart be troubled. They cannot change God’s plan for your life. Any move that they make will only expedite the plan of God for you. Remember, God is able to make a cornerstone out of the stone that the builders reject.
PRAYER: Lord God, deliver me from the evil spirit that destroys others. Let it not overpower or enslave me. Make me a ladder to help others climb up to you and not an obstacle to bring anyone down. For the sake of Christ, I pray. Amen
Andrews Obeng, svd
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)
“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all people” (St. Arnold Janssen).