10 March, Friday — Distorted Views

Friday of the 2^nd Week of Lent

Gen 37:3-4,12-13,17-28
Mt 21:33-43,45-46

“This is the heir. Come on, let us kill him and take over his inheritance.”

Today’s readings have a similar theme. Joseph’s brothers were so jealous of their father’s love for Joseph; they were so distorted with anger, they wanted to kill him. Likewise, in the Gospel, Jesus was telling the parable of the ungrateful tenants, so distorted with greed, not only did they kill the landowner’s servants, but also killed his son.

Jealously, anger, greed and all these negative passions will lead to a distorted view of reality and, ultimately, the truth. If only Joseph’s brothers saw beyond their father’s love for Joseph and how they were all loved to varying degrees, they may not have tried to kill Joseph. If only the tenants saw beyond their greed and remembered how the landowner had prepared the land for their use; planted the vineyard, put a fence, dug a winepress and built a watch tower; they would recognize the generosity of the landowner.

How many times have we experienced a sense of ‘unfairness’, that we didn’t get ‘our fair share’ or that we didn’t get what we deserved? How many times have we gotten angry or bitter over such ‘injustices’? If we are honest with ourselves, we would probably say a few times at least. There are certainly times when we ask ourselves why God didn’t grant this to us but granted it to someone we deem to be undeserving?

In those moments, let us remember that Jesus, the only Son of God, died willingly on the Cross for our sins — both yours and mine. We are loved beyond belief, and all that we have are but grace from God. 

Truth be told, we are not so deserving, you and I, and we are not in control. Why do we claim certain rights when we can’t even turn one hair grey or black naturally? So, when we don’t get our way or have our prayers answered, don’t become distorted with lies we tell ourselves, but remain in the Truth — in the mercy of our Heavenly Father. 

(Today’s OXYGEN by Winnie Kung)

Prayer: Our most merciful Lord, grant us the wisdom to always be thankful and mindful of all that is given to us. Everything is a gift from our Living God.  Let us not be distorted by greed, anger or jealousy but help us to be giving, loving and merciful like You.

Thanksgiving: Heavenly Father, we thank you for all that we have, all that we are. We thank you for all the answered prayers, and all the challenges that come our way. For we know that You are with us, all the way, never leaving nor abandoning us.