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March 20, 2014
Scripture readings: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28; Psalm 105; Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
Our readings today remind me of the old TV show The Smothers Brothers. At one point in every show, Tom would stop playing music and say to Dick, “Mom liked you more than me.” Dick would just look at him, and Tom would repeat it.The audience laughed, and so did I! But was it really funny? The line captures today’s theme: jealousy.
Joseph’s brothers are jealous. In our Gospel we see the jealousy of the vineyard tenants. Jealousy drives them to kill the son of the owner. Jealousy harms and even kills families and relationships.
We can begin to look at our families and friends and say, “Why does he have more money than me?” or “Why does she have nicer things?” Jealousy begins to take over our lives and can kill our relationships.
Joseph’s brothers and those tenants let jealousy into their lives because they forgot how much God had done for them. They forgot what the psalm said: “Remember the marvels the Lord has done.”
When jealousy creeps in, we can stop it by reflecting on all that God has done for us. During this Lenten season, remember the marvels the Lord has done for you.
Rev. Michael Sergi, C.Ss.R.
Canandaigua, N.Y.Download our 2014 Lenten reflections booklet here.
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