Friday of the Second Week
Imagine with me a vision described by a 21st C. Christian—Mary is standing with black mothers watching their sons die on a tree. Can there be a more stark picture of hate acting out in murder, or of the love and grief felt by those mothers?
This image was related in a podcast I heard recently, and it has remained with me as our shameful history of slavery is being reexamined. The perspective of people of color who lived the experience of enslavement then, and now in the painful consequences presently, can only be understood as we ourselves know suffering, love, hatred, and God’s healing.
The themes of jealousy, hatred, and their consequences are carried through today’s readings of Joseph’s brothers selling him into slavery (Genesis) and the landowner’s tenants killing his son to gain the inheritance (Matthew). We can find hope and healing in God’s goodness and mercy: Joseph forgives his brothers and is in a position in Egypt to save his people from famine. Jesus is the stone the builders rejected that became the cornerstone, revealing the face of a loving and healing God. He will offer His kingdom to those who will be fruitful, those who live and work in God’s love.
“Help us have the courage to awaken to greater truth, greater humility, and greater care for one another. May we place our hope in what matters and what lasts, trusting in Your eternal presence and love. Listen to our hearts’ longings for the healing of our suffering world.” (Richard. Rohr, OFM)
Jan Hancock M ’12, P ’99, P’09, Member of the Worshipping Community
Psalm 105:16-21
Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website
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