THE BAD TENANTS
GENESIS 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28; PSALM 105; MATTHEW 21:33-43, 45-46
“Let us kill him; then we shall see what becomes of his dreams” (Gen. 37:20). The first reading presents us with Joseph’s dream. His brothers hated him because of his dream, and so they devised evil against him and sold him into slavery.
This narrative also prefigures the evil plot gainst Jesus. Speaking in parable, he says, “This is the landlord’s heir; come, let us kill him and take over his inheritance” (Matt.21:38). Beloved, we are reminded of the devil‘s plot to distract us from our eternal inheritance. Let us resist the devil.
1 Peter 5:8 says, “The devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” The devil desires to snatch and attack our dreams. Household enemies like the brothers of Joseph and the bad tenants never ceased to express betrayal, ingratitude, pride, and envy. Beloved, during this period, let us make every effort to secure an eternal inheritance.
Let us pray
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, purifying us by the sacred practice of penance, you may lead us in sincerity of heart to attain the holy things to come. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Father Daniel Evbotokhai
