2nd week in Lent, Friday – 18th March 2022 — Gospel: Mt 21,33-43.45-46
Prediction that Becomes True
Jesus tells a parable of a property owner who leases his land to tenants who attack and kill the owner’s servants and eventually the owner’s son. Jesus directs this story at the chief priests and leaders of the Jewish community. Thus, Jesus predicts that they will persecute him and yet the richness of God will be given to others despite what the religious leaders will do to Jesus.
This parable has all the parallels between Joseph and Jesus. Both were the favoured sons of their fathers. Both were despised by other members of their people. Both had visions of how they would lead others to a better life. Both had death plots planned against them. Both were sold by the people close to them for pieces of silver. Both were imprisoned because of false witnesses. Both gave hope to those who were oppressed. Both brought wholeness and life to others by being raised up to positions of glory. In many aspects, Joseph’s life points to that of Jesus. Out of what seemed like impossible conditions, Joseph brought salvation to his people. Jesus brought true spiritual salvation through his death and resurrection.
