Friday March 18, 2022. St. Cyril of Jerusalem
We are back to being careful with whom we keep company. Today we are introduced to Joseph in our reading from Genesis. Joseph was the favorite son of Jacob (Israel), and his brothers resented it. They considered killing him, but instead sold him as a slave for pieces of silver. So much for brotherly love!! Jesus, in Matthew’s Gospel, tells of a landowner whose tenants turn against him and kill his son. The Gospel story ends with the promise that the goods of the vineyard (heaven) will be given to those who are faithful. Because he became a slave, Joseph ends up saving his brothers and their families from famine. Good can come from evil. I wonder about what seemingly bad things in my life have actually been for the good in the end. I’ve already mentioned how I’ve had to come to grips with not being able to have children. I am also dyslexic. I have had to acquire coping skills in order to live with this. Maybe I am stronger because of it. I am so grateful for spellchecker!! It has also made me slow down a bit as I read and write. My brain cannot get ahead of my fingers which probably saves me from saying some silly things. Also, I was hesitant to become a cantor at church. I’ve been doing it now for a long time and am so glad that I overcame my fears. Now I have even branched out to be a lector. These steps, which may seem small to others, were huge for me. I have to work very hard to prepare to discharge my duties, but thanks to these ministries, I find worshiping at Mass with my community of fellow believers to be richer for my involvement and preparation. So yes, good can come from what seems to be evil. All that is required is faith.