First Reading - Genesis 37:3-28
Gospel - Matthew 21:33-46
The first reading narrates the story of a young Joseph. Joseph, as a young lad, consistently faced rejections and love; Jacob loved him more dearly than any of his sons as he was the son of his old age; he was rejected for his dreams as the dreams made him superior over all his household, hence, his brothers hated him because of his dreams. The hatred of his brothers is seen in their mistreatment, throwing him into the well, and lastly selling him off to the Ishmaelites. The tragic story of Joseph apparently appears disheartening but the subsequent reading of the story brightens the face of a reader. This story tells everyone that every adverse situation bears the purpose of God. This, in other words, we can say that God thwarts human plots and turns malice to advantage. This story leads to a dramatic end not only because of the rescue of Joseph but also because of the rescue of his household; thus, the crime of his brothers becomes instrumental in God's plan.
The gospel passage tells an allegorical parable of the vineyard. The parable of the vineyard is laden with insightful meanings. Jesus presents this parable: firstly, to reprimand the leaders of Israel; and secondly, to remind us about our responsibility. In the first place, Jesus reprimands the leaders as is symbolised by the irresponsibility of the tenants ('vine' was a symbolic image of 'Israel or people of Israel' and 'tenants' stands for the religious leaders to whose care people were given by God) who failed to discharge their duty faithfully; and to worsen the situation, maltreated and killed the messengers (prophets) and heir (Jesus) of the landlord. Jesus states that the fate of such irresponsible people will be a wicked end and the responsibility of the vineyard will be entrusted to others. This also points to a new community of believers (Christians) who would believe in Jesus and live accordingly (This refers to their responsibility). This parable of the vineyard emerges as a hope for potential believers as they also can be saved in Jesus by believing and living according to the teachings of Jesus. This leads us to believe that God transforms our adverse situations of life to great advantage, as the adverse situation (unfaithfulness of the Jews) becomes an occasion for many to believe in Jesus and be saved in him.
Dear friends, God certains writes straight with crooked lines. God has a purpose behind every situation of our lives. The story of Joseph and the parable of vineyard are evident examples of how God creates a history through adverse situations. In the case of Joseph, the adverse situation becomes an occasion to save his whole household and in the case of the parable of vineyard, the unfaithfulness or irresponsibility of the leaders becomes an occasion for others to come to believe and be saved in Jesus. Therefore, we need to learn to trust in God, however bad our situation may be presently, as God is able to transform and turn that into best for us.
We also need to be responsible and faithful to the task we are entrusted with. Any kind of unfaithfulness and irresponsibility towards our duty is displeasing to God. God was displeased with the leaders because they failed to discharge their duty faithfully. We are also given specific responsibility or duty; as students study is our duty, as professionals our jobs will be our responsibility, and as believers living our faith will be our responsibility etc. We need to carry out our duty faithfully, however small or big may that be. This way we can please God and become accountable to Him.
Let's pray that we may always learn to be accountable and faithful believers of Jesus.
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