Throughout Lent so far, many of our scripture readings have dealt with the need to do penance and to observe the bodily disciplines of Lent—to seek that inner renewal and transformation that God wants for us in this sacred season.
Today, our Lenten readings shift in focus. In both first reading and Gospel today, we read stories of rejection. In the first reading Joseph’s brothers rejected him and plotted to kill him. In the Gospel, in the parable of the wicked tenants tells of the tenant farmers who reject , seize and kill, not only the vineyard owners servants but also his son.
These readings foreshadow the events of Holy Week, which is still a few weeks off, in which Jesus the Lord would be seized and killed by those who reject him.
This foreshadowing of the rejection Jesus will face in his Passion puts our Lenten journey into perspective. We do penance—we pray, fast, and give alms precisely because we have rejected Christ through sin.
The tale of rejection goes back to the beginning when Adam and Eve rejected God’s command, thereby rejecting His plan for them and for mankind. By rejecting God they forfeited paradise. So too, the Lord explains that for those who reject Him, “the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.”
Personal Sin, for which we do penance during the Lenten season, involves the humble admission that we rejected God’s truth, God’s plan, and the life God’s desires for us.
Sometimes Christ’s teachings & the teachings of the Church are found difficult, so we reject them. The Lenten call to pray, fast, and give alms is difficult and so it is rejected. The invitation to make a good Lenten confession is difficult, so it is rejected.
Though we have often participated in rejecting God, Lent reminds us that Christ willingly accepted rejection and suffering so that we might be redeemed. His response to our rejection was not condemnation, but mercy; not abandonment, but forgiveness. The rejected Son becomes the cornerstone of our salvation.
Today, let us recommit ourselves to this Lenten journey, determined not to reject the Son but to welcome Him wholeheartedly. Let us pray that any rejection, hardheartedness, or spiritual laziness may be transformed by Christ’s redemptive love. By confronting and repenting of our own rejections of Jesus, we prepare our hearts to truly celebrate the joy of Easter.
May our Lenten practices continue to lead us closer to Christ, who redeems our rejection with His boundless love and mercy, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
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Trusting in the Father’s merciful love, we now lift up our prayers, asking for the grace to reject sin and welcome Christ wholeheartedly into our lives.
For the Church throughout the world, that during this Lenten season, Christians everywhere may turn from sin and welcome Christ’s redemptive love more deeply.
For all who suffer rejection or abandonment, especially those who feel unloved or unwanted, that they may experience the healing presence and compassion of Jesus.
For families experiencing division and broken relationships, that the grace of reconciliation may overcome resentment and rejection, bringing healing and peace
For all who are burdened by illness, suffering, or despair, that they may draw strength from God who draws close to them and embraces them in their need.
For all who have died, that they may now find eternal acceptance and peace in the heavenly kingdom.
Loving Father, hear these prayers we offer in humility and trust, through Christ our Lord.
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