“From Rejection to God’s Plan.”

Today’s readings show us a painful but very real human experience: rejection. In the first reading, Joseph becomes the victim of jealousy and hatred from his own brothers. Because their father loved him more, they could not accept him. Their envy turned into violence. They stripped him of his special robe, threw him into a pit, and eventually sold him for twenty pieces of silver. What should have been a relationship of brotherhood became a story of betrayal. The Psalm reminds us that even in the midst of human cruelty, God’s plan is still unfolding. Joseph’s suffering did not destroy God’s purpose for him. Though he was sold as a slave and placed in chains, God eventually raised him up and made him a ruler. What seemed like defeat became the very path through which God saved many lives. The refrain says, “Remember the marvels the Lord has done.” God can bring good even out of situations that appear hopeless. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the wicked tenants. The tenants mistreat the servants sent by the owner of the vineyard and finally kill the owner's son in order to seize the inheritance. This parable clearly points to the rejection of God’s messengers and ultimately the rejection of Jesus himself. Just as Joseph was rejected by his brothers, Jesus—the beloved Son of the Father—would also But once again, rejection does not defeat God’s plan. Jesus reminds us: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” What people discard, God can transform into the foundation of salvation. The cross, which seemed like failure, became the source of redemption for the world. These readings challenge us to examine our own hearts. Sometimes jealousy, pride, or selfishness can lead us to reject others, just as Joseph’s brothers did. At other times, we may fail to recognize God’s presence when it comes to us through people, challenges, or opportunities to do good. Lent invites us to change that attitude. Instead of rejecting others, we are called to become faithful stewards of the vineyard God has entrusted to us—our families, our communities, and our faith. When we remain faithful, even in difficult moments, God can turn every suffering into a blessing. May we trust that no rejection, no suffering, and no difficulty is beyond God’s power to transform. The God who raised Joseph from slavery and made the rejected stone the cornerstone is still at work in our lives today.