Friday of the Second Week of Lent

Readings of the Day

Today’s Gospel reading features one of Jesus’ most important parables.  In it, Jesus makes a clear connection between the servants sent by the vineyard landowner and the Old Testament prophets.  The prophets were sent to speak God’s word to Israel, calling them back to God and hence, back to freedom and peace.  But the prophets were often ignored and maltreated, and the people failed to return to God.  Finally, this landowner sends his beloved son, who is rejected and killed.  Jesus is this beloved son, and he too will be rejected and killed.  But in doing so, he takes upon himself the punishment for every sin - past, present, and future. What amazes me is that, even after Israel had rejected the prophets, God still sent his beloved son, to show us just how much God cares about us and loves us, and that there is still a way to salvation.

It is natural for us to distance ourselves from those who hurt us, reject us, and persecute us.  When a friend hurts us repeatedly, we often arrive at a point when it is time to end such a friendship.  But with God, it seems to be the opposite:  God constantly approaches us, forgives us, reaches out to us despite our repeated falls, sins, and failures to trust in his providence and care.  God continued to reach out to Israel, sending his Son even though he knew they would kill him. And God continues to reach out to us: each and every day, at every moment, God is present, even when we fail to recognize him and when we fail to follow him. 

For us at Catholic Charities, this is a beautiful reminder of how we ought to view and treat others.  Sometimes our work and acts of charity are ignored or received without gratitude, perhaps leaving us discouraged.  But that is how we often treat God:  we often fail to be grateful despite his constant love and mercy.  How God treats us is how we ought to treat others, especially the least of our brothers and sisters whom we strive to serve through Catholic Charities.

Brett Manerois Parish & Community Relations Specialist at Catholic Charities of Denver.

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