Friday, March 21, 2003

The first reading from the Book of Genesis tells the story of Joseph, and itÕs a very powerful story. It reminds us of the story of Cain and Abel. JosephÕs own brothers attempt to kill him and then relent, sending him into slavery instead. It was practically killing him, since it took Joseph away from the family and, as far as his father knew, he was dead since that is what the brothers told their father. It is very tragic to see how, as time goes by and the Chosen People come to understand their special role, they are still attracted to evil. They still tend to do things in a way that suits them, rather than in a way in keeping with GodÕs plan. Ê

JosephÕs brothers do not like him because he is a dreamer. Moreover, they are envious and jealous because Joseph had the great coat of many colors that made him look like a prince, and because he had his fatherÕs special love. Joseph was the favorite son of Jacob. Ê

At the same time, Joseph prefigures Jesus Christ. If we look forward instead of backward, we can see that Joseph represents Jesus as the beloved son, the son who undergoes a great deal of suffering that in the end has a purpose. No one could have understood that purpose at the time, though. As we know, later in the story, which we did not get to in todayÕs liturgy, Joseph ends up being sold into slavery by his brothers, works his way out of slavery, has his talents recognized by those in power, and eventually becomes the most powerful man in Egypt Ð as powerful as Pharaoh himself. In fact, he becomes PharaohÕs right-hand man. Ê

At a time when Israel undergoes famine, his own brothers Ð sent by their father to Egypt Ð come to Pharaoh begging for food. Pharaoh sends them to, of all people, Joseph. They do not recognize their brother and he does not reveal his identity. By the end of the book of Genesis, Joseph points out that, even though his brothers had done evil to him, God had a plan and it was for the good of the brothers and their father, and even for the entire Jewish people since Joseph became a great patriarch who protected his people. After having been rejected by his brothers, cast aside and sold into slavery, Joseph rose to great heights. What do we learn from this story? Out of every evil in our lives, God can draw good. He allows bad things to happen to us to bring us to a place we need to be, for our own good and the good of those around us. Ê

When Bishop Vasquez was here on the Feast of St. Joseph, he spoke about having faith and trust like Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. This Joseph also did not understand what was in store for him, and why things were so difficult for the Son of God that they had to flee into Egypt. He did not understand, but like his namesake (Joseph the Patriarch), he obeyed. He lived what God expected of him and great things resulted; the Messiah came into the world under JosephÕs protection and guardianship. Ê

In todayÕs Gospel, Our Lord tells the parable of himself. Again, it reminds us of Joseph. In this case, the parable uses the symbol of a vineyard, which represents Israel. The father sends workers into the vineyard, but they are killed by the tenants. Finally, he sends his own son, who is also killed. The son is Our Lord himself, who says: ÒThe stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.Ó He also says: ÒThat by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes.Ó Jesus is quoting the Old Testament to the Scribes and Pharisees to point out that he knows, like Joseph the Patriarch and like the son in the parable, that he is going to be killed. His own people will kill him and try to take over the kingdom, the inheritance. Jesus is predicting his own passion and death. Ê

When we read the parable in light of the lot of Joseph, we know the evil will bring about good. The horrible tragedy of JesusÕ death brings about the redemption of the world. The stone that was rejected becomes the keystone of the world, not just of the Church that is built upon its foundation, but of the whole world that becomes a better place. This all came about from the rejection and death of Jesus, which appeared at first to be a failure. Our Lord says of those who rejected him that their kingdom will be taken away from them, and turned over to others. He reaches out to all of us, even the Gentiles, and makes us aware of the incredible privilege of being sons and daughters of God. This never would have happened had he not come into the world and suffered. In our own lives, we have to ask if we see GodÕs hand in difficulties. St. Paul tells us that all things work toward the good for those who love God. Ê

In the light of the current tragedy of the war in Iraq that is causing great harm to many people, good and bad alike, we have to believe that Our Lord can lead us to a better place. The tragedies of the world and of our own lives can lead to good. We ask Our Lord to increase our faith, because we will need it in the months ahead. We must go to St. Joseph and to Joseph the Patriarch in prayer, and realize that Jesus is leading us even in these dark times.

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