Friday, 2nd Week of Lent

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Joseph’s story from the Book of Genesis–our first reading today– leads to the story of Jesus. Joseph, his father’s favorite, was rejected by his jealous brothers and sold for twenty pieces of silver. Left for dead or to be enlaved, Joseph became a ruler in Egypt. Eventually, he saved his brothers and all their families from starvation.

Joseph felt a special kind of suffering – rejection by his brothers .Yet afterwards, merciful and forgiving, he embraced them and saved them.

In today’s reading from Matthew’s Gospel, a large crowd welcomes “the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee”. They spread their cloaks and cast branches before him. Then, Jesus is rejected by the chief priests and elders of the people.  (Matthew 21:1-18)  

You’re rejecting the Son of the Landowner, Jesus says in a parable directed to them. Their answer was death for the One proclaiming the coming of Kingdom of God.

Rejection by enemies, then by his own friends, was a large part of the suffering of Jesus in his Passion. Physical pain was not the only pain Jesus endured.  

Is he rejected by us? As we follow his Passion we’re not distant observers with no part in the story. “Were you there?” the spiritual asks. Yes, we were there when they crucified my Lord. We share in his rejection, but also the mercy and forgiveness Jesus showed.

Like the story of Joseph, the story of Jesus does not end in rejection and death. “The stone rejected by the builders will become the cornerstone.” Risen from the dead, Jesus promises forgiveness and life for all.

You went to Jerusalem, Lord, to announce a kingdom come, a promise of God fulfilled. a hope beyond any we could conceive. Teach us to keep the dream of your Kingdom alive, even when we see it denied.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS: Fridays in Lent are good days to follow Jesus in the Stations of the Cross, and ancient devotion. Here are some online resources:

Video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waaMOBJ5e1Q&list=PLLUFZUgOPMFxkmfgBNS4Kfm8XxEwoAd6f&index=11

Stations of the Cross; Text    https://passionofchrist.us/stations-adults/ 

Stations of the Cross for Children: https://passionofchrist.us/stations-of-the-cross-children/

Prayers :  https://passionofchrist.us/prayers/

4 thoughts on “Friday, 2nd Week of Lent”

  1. cenaclemary12's avatarcenaclemary12

    Thank you for link to Staions of the Cross. Walking the Via Dolorosa with pictures and pilgrims is wonderful, especially for those of us who will not get the chance to visit the Holy Land.

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  3. cenaclemary12's avatarcenaclemary12

    Thanks for the text link to Stations of the Cross. I was able to endure the long wait at doctor’s office by praying these stations. The prayers are inspirational.

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  4. cenaclemary12's avatarcenaclemary12

    Rejection by one’s own family,

    More painful than physical ills.

    Some siblings spar, even feud,

    Not speaking to each other,

    Carrying grudges with jealousy.

    Jesus shows how to love,

    even those who hate us.

    Only by God’s merciful grace,

    Will we be able to carry the cross.

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