Friday of the Second Week of Lent
(Genesis 37:3-4.12-13a.17b-28a; Matthew 21:33-43.45-46)
Yesterday’s reading from Jeremiah expressed the hopelessness
of the human condition. “More tortuous
than all else is the human heart,” it read, “beyond remedy…” Today’s readings provide examples of this
viciousness. Joseph’s brothers conspire
to kill him out of jealousy for their father’s affection. Equally brutal, the resentment of Jesus’ prophesying
moves the chief priests and elders of Jerusalem to do him in.
Jesus’ parable of the vineyard points to the execution of
his enemies. But Jesus’ own teaching suggests
another end. With the assurance of mercy,
his executioners would repent of their crime and be forgiven. Such a reversal may not be likely, but it is
not beyond Christian hope.
We may recognize severe evil tendencies in our own
thoughts. We can thank God that we are
not likely to act them out. We should
also pray for and, perhaps, advise those who do so.
