17 Mar
Fri
2nd Week of Lent
Gen. 37:3-4,12-13,17-28
Ps. 105:16-17,18-19,20-21
Mt. 21:33-43,45-46
(Ps Wk II)
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The story of Joseph, the second youngest son of Jacob-Israel, told in the first reading is a clear prediction of the fate of Jesus, the only Son of God. In both cases their own people get rid of them out of hatred and envy but with the result that each one becomes a saviour - one to his own family and the other to the whole world. There is a major difference, however. In Joseph's case, one of the brothers prevents Joseph from being killed although he is sold into slavery and presumed to meet a terrible fate. But, in Jesus' parable, the son of the landowner is "thrown out of the vineyard" and killed - a reference to Jesus being executed outside the city of Jerusalem (the vineyard of the Lord). The result is that the tenants (those who reject Jesus as the Messiah) are thrown out of the vineyard and it is given to new tenants "who will deliver the produce to the landowner (God) when he comes". Jesus is the Stone rejected by the builders but which becomes the keystone of a new building, his Church, a community whose task it is to carry on the work of Jesus and of building the Kingdom. We are privileged to have been called into this new building. What contribution do I make to its growth and development?



God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That young people who are searching for the sense of life may be understood, respected and accompanied with patience and love.
Elaboration

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