Friday of the Second Week of Lent
(Genesis 37:3-4.12-13a.17b-28a; Matthew 21:33-43.45-46)
One of the many social problems
of abortion-on-demand is that it facilitates bias against people with genetic
abnormalities. Most babies with Downs
Syndrome are now being aborted in the so-called “developed nations.” A similar rejection is seen in today’s first
reading where Joseph’s brothers conspire to kill him for being his father’s
favorite son.
But not all the brothers are
so contemptuous. Rueben, the eldest of
the lot, suggests that they hold Joseph prisoner while he figures out how to
send him home safely. Another brother,
Judah, seems to have a similar sentiment, but his suggestion to sell Joseph to
Ishmaelite traders may just be a way to turn a profit. In sum, the motive of all the brothers, save
Rueben, is treachery. They exemplify the
dark side of humanity in crying need of renewal.
We are coming to the
middle of Lent. Hopefully, we have
noticed by now that our motives are sometimes not just mixed but can be perverse. Perhaps we have been envious of friends and
family members receiving credit. Perhaps
we have advised someone to have an abortion because the baby would not be
normal as most people think of the term.
Now is the time to repent of this wrongfulness and to beg God’s grace.
