Friday of the Second Week of Lent / Human Rights Day (21 March)

From Betrayal to Justice – God’s Plan Prevails

There’s a story that says, "Be careful who you share your dreams with—some people might sell you out!" That’s exactly what happened to Joseph in today’s reading. His own brothers, instead of celebrating his dreams, plotted against him. But here’s the good news: no human betrayal can stop God’s plan!

Today, as South Africa marks Human Rights Day, we reflect on how betrayal, injustice, and rejection have shaped history—but also how hope, resilience, and faith have brought change.

Joseph’s story (Genesis 37) is painful but powerful. Sold into slavery by his own family, he later became a leader in Egypt and saved many lives—including those who betrayed him. What they meant for evil, God turned into good.

In Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 21:33-43), Jesus tells a parable of tenants who reject the landowner’s messengers and even his son. The religious leaders knew Jesus was talking about them—they had rejected the prophets and were now rejecting God’s Son. But just as Joseph’s suffering led to salvation, Jesus' rejection became the foundation of our faith.

Both stories remind us: God is always on the side of justice, truth, and those who are oppressed.

As we receive the Body and Blood of Christ, we are reminded:

  • Jesus Himself was rejected, yet He became our Redeemer.
  • The Eucharist is a call to live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).

Question for Reflection

  • How do I respond when I see injustice? Do I act, or do I remain silent?

Daily Practical Application

  1. Stand for justice – If you see someone being treated unfairly, speak up.
  2. Forgive, but don’t forget – Like Joseph, use your pain to build a better future.
  3. Support the rejected – Reach out to the poor, the lonely, and the forgotten.

If you feel rejected, abandoned, or treated unfairly, remember Joseph. His story didn’t end in a pit—neither will yours! Keep trusting, keep believing.

What Can I Do During the Jubilee Year?

  • Work for reconciliation in your family, workplace, and community.
  • Promote human dignity by treating every person with respect and love.

Human Rights Day reminds us that justice is not given—it is fought for.
As Pilgrims of Hope, we are called to:

  • Defend the voiceless, like the prophets did.
  • Walk in faith, like Joseph did.
  • Live with love, like Jesus did.

We may live in a world of injustice, but we serve a God of justice. Let us be agents of change, turning betrayal into blessings, rejection into redemption, and despair into hope.

Lord, when I face injustice, give me courage.
When I feel betrayed, give me hope.
When I see others suffering, help me to act.
May I be a light in the darkness, a voice for the voiceless,
and a pilgrim of hope in this Jubilee Year. Amen.

"The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." – Matthew 21:42

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