Gratitude or Greed

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate the poison of greed and jealousy in damaging our relationship with the people in our lives and our full life with God.

Stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.

In the Reading from the Book of Genesis, Joseph is Sold into Egypt.

* [37:21–36] The chapter thus far is from the Yahwist source, as are also vv. 25–28a. But vv. 21–24 and 28b–36 are from another source (sometimes designated the Elohist source). In the latter, Reuben tries to rescue Joseph, who is taken in Reuben’s absence by certain Midianites; in the Yahwist source, it is Judah who saves Joseph’s life by having him sold to certain Ishmaelites. Although the two variant forms in which the story was handed down in early oral tradition differ in these minor points, they agree on the essential fact that Joseph was brought as a slave into Egypt because of the jealousy of his brothers.

* [37:28] They sold Joseph…silver: editors tried to solve the confusion, created by different sources, by supposing that it was the Midianite traders who pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him to Ishmaelites. In all probability, one source had the brothers selling Joseph to Ishmaelites, whereas the other had them cast him into the pit whence he was taken by Midianite traders. (Genesis, CHAPTER 37 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 105 is a hymn to God who promised the land of Canaan to the holy people.

* [Psalm 105] A hymn to God who promised the land of Canaan to the holy people, cf. Ps 78; 106; 136. Israel is invited to praise and seek the presence of God (Ps 105:1–6), who is faithful to the promise of land to the ancestors (Ps 105:7–11). In every phase of the national story—the ancestors in the land of Canaan (Ps 105:12–15), Joseph in Egypt (Ps 105:16–22), Israel in Egypt (Ps 105:23–38), Israel in the desert on the way to Canaan (Ps 105:39–45)—God remained faithful, reiterating the promise of the land to successive servants. (Psalms, PSALM 105 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus presents The Parable of the Tenants.

* [21:33] Planted a vineyard…a tower: cf. Is 5:1–2. The vineyard is defined in Is 5:7 as “the house of Israel.”

* [21:34–35] His servants: Matthew has two sendings of servants as against Mark’s three sendings of a single servant (Mk 12:2–5a) followed by a statement about the sending of “many others” (Mk 12:2, 5b). That these servants stand for the prophets sent by God to Israel is clearly implied but not made explicit here, but see Mt 23:37. His produce: cf. Mk 12:2 “some of the produce.” The produce is the good works demanded by God, and his claim to them is total.

* [21:38] Acquire his inheritance: if a Jewish proselyte died without heir, the tenants of his land would have final claim on it.

* [21:39] Threw him out…and killed him: the change in the Marcan order where the son is killed and his corpse then thrown out (Mk 12:8) was probably made because of the tradition that Jesus died outside the city of Jerusalem; see Jn 19:17; Heb 13:12.

* [21:41] They answered: in Mk 12:9 the question is answered by Jesus himself; here the leaders answer and so condemn themselves; cf. Mt 21:31. Matthew adds that the new tenants to whom the vineyard will be transferred will give the owner the produce at the proper times.

* [21:42] Cf. Ps 118:22–23. The psalm was used in the early church as a prophecy of Jesus’ resurrection; see Acts 4:11; 1 Pt 2:7. If, as some think, the original parable ended at Mt 21:39 it was thought necessary to complete it by a reference to Jesus’ vindication by God.

* [21:43] Peculiar to Matthew. Kingdom of God: see note on Mt 19:23–24. Its presence here instead of Matthew’s usual “kingdom of heaven” may indicate that the saying came from Matthew’s own traditional material. A people that will produce its fruit: believing Israelites and Gentiles, the church of Jesus.

* [21:44] The majority of textual witnesses omit this verse. It is probably an early addition to Matthew from Lk 20:18 with which it is practically identical.

* [21:45] The Pharisees: Matthew inserts into the group of Jewish leaders (Mt 21:23) those who represented the Judaism of his own time. (Matthew, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB, n.d.)

Steve Scholer offers that if we can focus on just one word each day as we pray, we can put Greed and Envy in their place. And that word is Gratitude. To humbly thank God each day for his endless gifts, for our life and salvation, the joy we find in our friends and family, and the world God created for us.

St. Ignatius knew the importance of “Finding God in all things.” In so keeping, we should recognize God’s presence, not just in church, but in our everyday lives, be it at work, in relationships, in times of stress and joy, and in the beautiful world in which we live. By keeping our focus here, we can push Greed and Envy into the far recesses of our minds and live God-focused, not self-focused, lives. (Scholer, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes Life through death, by Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"Unless the Word of God had first assumed our mortal flesh He could not have died for us. Only in that way was the immortal God able to die and to give life to mortal humans. Therefore, by this double sharing He brought about a wonderful exchange. We made death possible for Him, and He made life possible for us." (excerpt from Sermon 218C, 1) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Genesis presents the story of Joseph, son of Jacob who showed his preference, and his brothers throw him in a dry cistern and he is sold to be a slave in Egypt. Joseph, in difficult circumstances, shows that God works through history to save. In the Gospel of Matthew, when the tenants refuse to pay they plan to kill the son and acquire the inheritance meant for the son. In Mark, they claim to kill him in the city. Mark as the oldest Gospel is likely to be what Jesus said and Matthew describes what happened. The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone. Friar Jude comments that the leader will be rejected. Jesus rejected, by them, will be the cornerstone of a new community including people from outside Israel.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28 comments that Jesus can show us the way to freedom. As “the stone that the builders rejected,” he, too, knew the sting of rejection (Matthew 21:42). But he never let that sting fester into resentment or anger. Instead, he let his Father’s love dissolve any bitter or spiteful thoughts before they took hold of him. He protected his human gift of reason so that he could address challenges clearly and peacefully. And that enabled him to look at each person—including those who rejected him—with love and understanding.

So take Jesus as your model. Use your own God-given gift of reason to help you see clearly. Let your Father’s love dissolve your own bitterness and help you meet opposition with love. And when you are tempted to embrace the illogic of envy, let his mercy for everyone soften your heart.

“Jesus, teach me to think like you so that I can love like you.” (Meditation on Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28, n.d.)

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, honors that we must be very clear about right and wrong, naming when injustice takes place, while maintaining our commitment to grace and love. Fr. Richard can’t deny there are numerous black and white, vengeful scriptures, which is precisely why we must recognize that all scriptures are not equally inspired or from the same level of consciousness. Literal interpretation of Scripture is the Achilles’ heel of fundamentalist Christians.

We have to begin with dualistic thinking, just as we must first develop a healthy ego and frame before we can move beyond it. Jesus often made strong binary statements, for example, “You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24); “The Son of Man will separate the sheep from the goats” (Matthew 25:32–33). We must first be capable of some basic distinctions between good and evil before we can hold paradox. Without basic honesty and clarity, nondual thinking becomes very naive. We must first succeed at good dualistic thinking before we also discover its final inadequacy in terms of wisdom and compassion. Not surprisingly, Jesus exemplifies and teaches both dualistic clarity and then non-dual wisdom and compassion: “My Father’s sun shines on both the good and the bad; his rain falls on both the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).

The ego prefers a dualistic worldview where bad people are eternally punished, and good people (like ourselves) are totally rewarded. But the soul does not need to see others punished to be happy! Why would anyone like the notion of somebody being tortured for all eternity? What kind of psyche or soul can condemn others to hellfire? Certainly not Divine Love. [1] (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek the guidance of the Spirit to bring to our mind gratitude that initiates the affirmation of the people, children of God, and “keystones” who bring fullness of life to our journey.

References

Genesis, CHAPTER 37 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved March 6, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/37?3 

Matthew, CHAPTER 21 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved March 6, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/21?33 

Meditation on Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved March 6, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/03/06/1513232/ 

Psalms, PSALM 105 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved March 6, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/105?16 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved March 6, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/an-all-embracing-love/ 

Scholer, S. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved March 6, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-march-6-2026 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). The Stone Which the Builders Rejected. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved March 6, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Forgiveness and Persecution

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to seek forgiveness for our shortcomings even as we pursue our mission to share the mercy and love of Christ in an environment that may reject our efforts.

Forgive our Persecution

In the reading from the Book of Genesis, Joseph’s Brothers plea for forgiveness after the death of Joseph.

* [50:15–26] The final reconciliation of the brothers. Fearful of what may happen after the death of their father, the brothers engage in a final deception, inventing the dying wish of Jacob. Again, Joseph weeps, and, again, his brothers fall down before him, offering to be his slaves (44:16, 33). Joseph’s assurance is also a summation of the story: “Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good, to achieve this present end, the survival of many people” (v. 20). Joseph’s adoption of the children of Manasseh’s son Machir recalls Jacob’s adoption of his grandchildren (48:5, 13–20); the adoptions reflect tribal history (cf. Jgs 5:14). (Genesis, CHAPTER 50 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 105 is a hymn to God recalling God’s promises.

* [Psalm 105] A hymn to God who promised the land of Canaan to the holy people, cf. Ps 78; 106; 136. Israel is invited to praise and seek the presence of God (Ps 105:1–6), who is faithful to the promise of land to the ancestors (Ps 105:7–11). In every phase of the national story—the ancestors in the land of Canaan (Ps 105:12–15), Joseph in Egypt (Ps 105:16–22), Israel in Egypt (Ps 105:23–38), Israel in the desert on the way to Canaan (Ps 105:39–45)—God remained faithful, reiterating the promise of the land to successive servants. (Psalms, PSALM 105 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus implores us to have Courage Under Persecution.

* [10:25] Beelzebul: see Mt 9:34 for the charge linking Jesus with “the prince of demons,” who is named Beelzebul in Mt 12:24. The meaning of the name is uncertain; possibly, “lord of the house.”

* [10:26] The concealed and secret coming of the kingdom is to be proclaimed by them, and no fear must be allowed to deter them from that proclamation.

* [10:32–33] In the Q parallel (Lk 12:8–9), the Son of Man will acknowledge those who have acknowledged Jesus, and those who deny him will be denied (by the Son of Man) before the angels of God at the judgment. Here Jesus and the Son of Man are identified, and the acknowledgment or denial will be before his heavenly Father. (Matthew, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB, n.d.)

Kathy Kemler comments that in Christian life we are busy caring for others…children, parents, our ministries, being women and men for others, but we are called to more.

We are called to receive God’s love.  It’s one reason why I love to go outside during the day. I look at the sky, the trees, a flower and my thoughts immediately turn to God and I am reminded of God’s love and how God is speaking to me through nature.  That in turn reminds me to think about how God has given me something that day and to take a moment to look back and see what it was.  It’s like a micro-Examen as it only takes a moment and I can reflect about that in walking from one building to the next. Then I can whisper a word of thanks. (Kemler, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Do not bewail death - but sin,” by Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD).

"The gospel is life. Impiety and infidelity are the death of the soul. So then, if the soul can die, how then is it yet immortal? Because there is always a dimension of life in the soul that can never be extinguished. And how does it die? Not in ceasing to be life but by losing its proper life. For the soul is both life to something else, and it has it own proper life. Consider the order of the creatures. The soul is the life of the body. God is the life of the soul. As the life that is the soul is present with the body, that the body may not die, so the life of the soul (God) ought to be with the soul that it may not die."

"How does the body die? By the departure of the soul. I say, by the departure of the soul the body dies, and it lies there as a mere carcass, what was a little before a lively, not a contemptible, object. There are in it still its several members, the eyes and ears. But these are merely the windows of the house; its inhabitant is gone. Those who bewail the dead cry in vain at the windows of the house. There is no one there within it to hear... Why is the body dead? Because the soul, its life, is gone. But at what point is the soul itself dead? When God, its life, has forsaken it... This then we can know and hold for certain: the body is dead without the soul, and the soul is dead without God. Every one without God has a dead soul. You who bewail the dead rather should bewail sin. Bewail ungodliness. Bewail disbelief." (excerpt from SERMON 65.5-7) (Schwager, n.d.)

In the Word Among Us Meditation on Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26 Jesus tells his disciples—three times—“Do not be afraid” (Matthew 10:26, 28, 31). They are about to head out on their first missionary journey, so he reassures them that his Father will protect them and care for their needs. Even though they are weak and sinful disciples, just like the rest of us, God loves them deeply and will not turn his back on them. Even if they were to fail in their mission, he will continue to love them.

Don’t be afraid! Let Jesus reassure you that nothing you can do or say could ever cause him to reject you. No matter what you are concerned about, he is always ready to run out and embrace you with his overflowing love and mercy.

“Thank you, Jesus, for loving me so completely!”(Meditation on Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes that in the Genesis passage Jacob has come down to Egypt and asks to be buried in the tomb of Isaac and Sarah. When he dies the brothers fear Joseph will punish the, but he leaves punishment to God and seeks similar burial. Jesus said the apostles will suffer but God will protect them. Trust in Providence to provide the needs of their mission. In persecution, trust in the help of God. Friar Jude reminds us of the “martyrdom of pinpricks” through which God sees this as an opportunity for grace transformed by love. 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces theologian Megan McKenna who reflects on the tale of Jonah as a modern-day parable of repentance. Jonah was so angry at YHWH’s mercy that he wanted to die, knowing that the turn of events would ruin his credibility at home!… YHWH rebuked him, expressing [God’s] concern for the people of Nineveh.

What if [Christians in the United States were sent] a Buddhist prophet who lamented our insistence on the right to manufacture and keep on “ready-alert status” millions of nuclear weapons, defense missile systems, radioactive and depleted uranium bullets, and land mines? What if the prophet declared that our weapons and our covert low-intensity war policies at home and around the world were destroying any possibility of world harmony and that within forty days we would all be destroyed? Suddenly Jonah’s position isn’t so laughable but is, rather, worthy of a serious call to examine our national conscience. (Rohr, n.d.) 

 

We are in a time where persecution and forgiveness are very present in our society and we need to invoke the Spirit as our guide to action as sheep among wolves.

References

Genesis, CHAPTER 50 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/50 

Kemler, K. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved July 12, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-july-12-2025 

Matthew, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/10?24 

Meditation on Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved July 12, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/07/12/1330043/ 

Psalms, PSALM 105 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/105?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Daily Meditations — Center for Action and Contemplation. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved July 12, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/jonah-and-gods-scandalous-mercy-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 12, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=jul12