Homily for Friday of the 2nd Week of Lent (1)

Homily for Friday of the 2nd Week of Lent

Theme: The Parable of the Tenants.

By: Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA

Homily for Friday March 18 2022

Optional commemoration of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop, Doctor

*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Genesis 37:3-4,12-13,17-28
Psalm 104:16-21
Matthew 21:33-43,45-46

*INTRODUCTION*
Dear brethrens today is the Friday of the second week of Lent. And in our first reading today, we heard of the story from the Book of Genesis in which we were told of what happened to the sons of Jacob, also known as Israel, the ones who would become the progenitors of the twelve tribes of the Israelites. Jacob had a total of twelve sons, born from different wives and from the servants of his wives. The most beloved among all those sons were naturally Joseph and Benjamin, who were born to Jacob through his most beloved wife Rachel.

*ABOUT THE GOSPEL OF TODAY!*
Today’s gospel is about the parable of the vineyard. In Galilee there were numerous vineyards and it was quite common for the owners to let their estates to be rented to tenants. Many did it for the sole purpose of collecting rent at the right time. Why did Jesus’ story about wicked tenants cause offense to the scribes and Pharisees? They were offended because it contained both a prophetic message and a warning. This parable of the vineyard speaks to us today also.

*WHAT IS THE MESSAGE OF THIS PARABLE FOR US TODAY?*
This parable tells us some important truths about God and the way he deals with His people.
1. First, it tells us of God’s generosity and trust. The vineyard is well equipped with everything the tenants need.
2. Secondly, this parable tells us that, God’s ways, in one sense, can never become ours. But we can become more godlike in our actions, in recognizing generosity and in dispensing mercy to others.
3. Thirdly, this parable also tells us of God’s patience and justice. Not once, but many times He forgives the tenants their debts.

*CONCLUSION*
May God be with us always, and may He continue to watch over us and strengthen us, that we may always be vigilant, and be ready to guard ourselves against any temptations of evil. And may God bless us all, May He bless His Word in our hearts, and may He help us to put His word into practice, through Christ our Lord. Amen

Fr. Diotacious Chikontwe SMA