Friday of the 2nd week of Lent

Gen. 37: 3-4.12-13a.17b-28     Mathew 21: 33-43.45-46

Theme: What type of fruit are you bearing?

In today’s gospel reading, the parable of the vineyard that was given by Jesus shows that we are all expected to bear good fruits. That is why Jesus sent his servants to the tenants to get the fruits; he knew they were supposed to have some fruits for him. This simply shows that God expects that as his children, we have all it takes to bear good fruits in our lives, taking into consideration what God has giving to us as his children. Every one of us has his own gift that God has given him or her, and the big question today is, how are we using our gifts. Our gifts are different, but they are all good enough to bear good fruits if we make adequate use of them. This is very important, instead of worrying ourselves about the gifts and blessings of others. Just appreciate what you have and make good use of it, and you will be surprised at the wonderful fruits you will bear.

This is one of the challenges we see in today’s 1st reading between Joseph and his brothers, they were jealous and angry against their brother Joseph. They were angry that their father loved him more than his other children and the fact that the dream of Joseph placed him above his brothers. Jealousy is evil and destructive; it does not give room for love, peace, unity, and growth. By trying to destroy Joseph, they were simply contributing towards the actualization of Josephs dream without knowing it. When God is for you, who can be against you? We must never fight a battle that we will lose from the very beginning. God knows us true and true, and has deposited enough in each one of us, that will help us bear fruits when properly used. Stop worrying about the fruits that other people are bearing and concentrate on yourself to bear good fruits that you will be proud of as a child of God.

 

Always remember that God will always give you what is best for you, and God is not man and does not make mistakes. Trust in God and in the gifts, he has given you, and there will be no need to be jealous of the fruits other people are bearing. May God grant us the grace to trust in His process and be fruitful, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen.  Peace be with you.

 

 

Friday of the 2nd week of Lent, by Fr. Jude Ifeanyi Ifezime, C.S.Sp