Today’s scripture readings focus on the challenge of love. “Israel loved Joseph best of all his sons . . .” The parable in Matthew tells of the landowner who sent his son to remedy a situation in his vineyard. The Alleluia verse is that iconic passage from John (3:16): “God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son . . .”

In his book, The Divine Dance: The Trinity and Your Transformation, Franciscan Richard Rohr OFM invites us to see in the mystery called the Trinity a “divine dance” between God, Jesus, the Spirit, and us. In Jesus, we see the face of God. In Jesus, we see benevolence in the universe. In Jesus, we see grace, love, mercy, and forgiveness. As Saint Peter Julian Eymard once wrote: “God accepting suffering, in order to prove his love, he (Jesus) becomes a child, so that man (woman) will no longer be afraid of God.”

Yet, we read today that Joseph’s brothers sought to kill him; the tenants killed the landowner’s son; those in power rejected the cornerstone.

Lent is that special time to reflect upon the suffering and death of Jesus: the betrayals, denials, scorn, humiliations, and, ultimately, the rejection of this man of love. It is also a time to remember that God is with us in our own challenges, sufferings, and little deaths. Father Rohr and Saint Eymard remind us that God is on our side.

May we each find that deep presence of LOVE – despite all the tragedy, suffering, and hate we witness in our world today. May we be the face of God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness.

Let Us Pray:

Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Spirit, you are the origin of all gifts. Make us grateful stewards, of your many blessings. May our Lenten prayer help us see your love at the center of our lives, despite the pain, the struggles, and the sufferings we endure.

Eucharistic Reflection – Center for Eucharistic Evangelizing (eucharisticevangelizing.com)
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