Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28 / Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46
Whenever we read the Scriptures, we must be aware that it is more than just a story book or a history book.
The Scriptures is the Word of God and hence what it portrays is the reality of the relationships between God and man, man and his neighbour, and man and nature.
And these relationships are not all the time that rosy and loving. In fact, there seems to be more of the darker and uglier side of relationships like deception, betrayal, jealousy, hatred and even murder and killing.
The 1st reading portrayed one of those uglier and darker sides of relationships and it happened even among siblings.
More than just sibling rivalry, the eleven brothers resented Joseph for being the favourite son, and that resentment grew into a rejection that eventually turned into murder intention.
But God made an intervention through Reuben and eventually Joseph was sold as a slave for 20 silver pieces.
In the gospel, Jesus told a parable about the landowner and the tenants. It was a parable that had the elements of greed, violence and murder.
And in time to come, that parable will be actualized and the victim is none other than Jesus Himself.
But as it was with Joseph, so it was with Jesus; God intervened. God saved Joseph and he became the instrument of God's salvation for his father and brothers. God saved Jesus out of death and raised Him to be our Saviour.
So when we face opposition, conspiracy and violence, let us trust in the Lord's protection over us. God will intervene for us and even make us instruments of His salvation.