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 Joseph’s dream, which his brothers hated, leading them to devise evil against him and sell him into slavery. This narrative prefigures the evil plot against Jesus. In a parable, Jesus 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, as 1 Peter 5:8 warns, “The devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” The devil desires to snatch and destroy our dreams. Household enemies, like Joseph’s brothers and the bad tenants, exemplify betrayal, ingratitude, pride, and envy.
Beloved, during this Lenten period, let us strive to secure our eternal inheritance. Let us make every effort to purify our hearts and attain the holy things to come.
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.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
