Daily Gospel Reflection for March 5, 2021

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

"Great Expectations" is not just the title of a legendary book by the incomparable Charles Dickens. The phrase could also be used to describe God’s plan for each of us. He wants us to yield good fruit in our lives, sharing the love He has for us with others.

But so often, as the Parable of the Tenants shows, we reject Him and the boundless love He has to offer. Our rejection of Him makes little sense — it is completely irrational, as is the example of the tenants seizing and killing the servants. We falsely think that we can gain what we want when we want it — without a thought as to what God desires.

Like the tenants, we are chasing after an inheritance that does not belong to us. It could be easy to dismiss the parable as being aimed at the chief priests and Pharisees, and not applying to the people of the 21st century. But it would also be an erroneous conclusion. If we look deep into our hearts, we can all remember times when we rejected God.

Often, this rejection occurs when we refuse to pay heed to the people He sends to us, dismissing them as being unimportant in the scheme of things. However, the way we treat others is ultimately the way we treat Jesus. When we love them, we love Jesus … when we spurn them, we spurn Jesus.

The landowner’s loss of his son is heartbreaking and serves as a preview of the agonizing fate which awaits Jesus. Those He loves will put Him to death but, in the end, Christ will triumph in the Resurrection. It is indeed wonderful that the stone that the builders rejected — Jesus Himself — has become the cornerstone of our faith.

Ponder:

What action can I take today to demonstrate my acceptance of Jesus and His teachings?

Pray:

Dear Jesus, I know that, at times, I have rejected You. Please forgive me and guide me into the light of your love.

"Great Expectations" is a phrase that can be used to describe God's plans for us. #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Maria V. Gallagher