The Gospel
Matt 21:33‑43, 45‑46
Parable of the Vineyard,
The stone rejected by the builders that became the cornerstone.
St. Gaspar
writing from prison:
"It is true -- they are thorns, but, they are thorns that sustain the mystical rose. They are bitter drink, it is true -- but a bitter drink that helps anyone to a change of life in the spirit and assists us to be distrustful of self and confident in the divine goodness, which is the sum total of our sanctification. To this mystical winter, there usually follows a flowering spring; to this most beautiful mystical night, there usually follows a most serene day; to this mystical storm, there follows a most consoling calm. In any event, it is always proper to remain in conformity to the sovereign dispositions and to recommend oneself to the Lord to keep us always faithful to him. Amen." [1]
Reflection
Joseph shared his dreams with his brothers. His brothers rejected that dream and sold him into slavery. In God's mysterious designs, over a period of years, this tragedy was a place for God to show his marvels as Joseph became a source of nourishment for Egypt and for his brothers.
The Landowner in Jesus' parable had a dream of a rich and bountiful harvest. The tenants rejected that dream and resorted to violence. In God's marvelous design, the stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.
St. Gaspar reminds us that any dream worth dreaming is worth remaining faithful to, even if denied and rejected. We trust in the marvels God can do. The darkness of Joseph's slavery and the winter of the murder of the landowner's son all become the light and spring of nourishment and life.
[1] from Letter No. 51 to Countess Lucrezia Ginnasi, February-April, 1813) SP4, pg.26
Matt 21:33‑43, 45‑46
Parable of the Vineyard,
The stone rejected by the builders that became the cornerstone.
St. Gaspar
writing from prison:
"It is true -- they are thorns, but, they are thorns that sustain the mystical rose. They are bitter drink, it is true -- but a bitter drink that helps anyone to a change of life in the spirit and assists us to be distrustful of self and confident in the divine goodness, which is the sum total of our sanctification. To this mystical winter, there usually follows a flowering spring; to this most beautiful mystical night, there usually follows a most serene day; to this mystical storm, there follows a most consoling calm. In any event, it is always proper to remain in conformity to the sovereign dispositions and to recommend oneself to the Lord to keep us always faithful to him. Amen." [1]
Reflection
Joseph shared his dreams with his brothers. His brothers rejected that dream and sold him into slavery. In God's mysterious designs, over a period of years, this tragedy was a place for God to show his marvels as Joseph became a source of nourishment for Egypt and for his brothers.
The Landowner in Jesus' parable had a dream of a rich and bountiful harvest. The tenants rejected that dream and resorted to violence. In God's marvelous design, the stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.
St. Gaspar reminds us that any dream worth dreaming is worth remaining faithful to, even if denied and rejected. We trust in the marvels God can do. The darkness of Joseph's slavery and the winter of the murder of the landowner's son all become the light and spring of nourishment and life.
- What dreams of mine have been rejected?
- In what ways do I tend to trust in my own strength only?
- How do I show that I am willing to endure the winters in my life, hopeful of spring?
[1] from Letter No. 51 to Countess Lucrezia Ginnasi, February-April, 1813) SP4, pg.26
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