FOOD FOR THE SOUL/HOMILY

Friday, 6 March 2026 – Friday of the Second Week of Lent

1. Introduction

Good day, my dear friend. Today’s readings invite us to look honestly at the human heart. The stories are ancient, yet they sound like the news of today: jealousy, rejection, power struggles, and people refusing to listen to God.

In the first reading Joseph is betrayed by his own brothers. In the Gospel, the tenants kill the owner’s son. Both stories show a painful truth: sometimes the greatest resistance to goodness comes from people who feel threatened by it.

But Lent is not about condemning others. It is about examining our own hearts.

2. Life Story

A priest once asked a man after Mass,
“Why do you always sit at the back of the church?”

The man replied, “Father, I sit there so that if the sermon is too long, I can escape quietly.”

The priest smiled and said, “My friend, the problem is not where you sit. The problem is that you are always looking for the exit instead of the message.”

Sometimes we approach God like that. We listen, but we are already looking for the exit door instead of allowing the message to enter our hearts.

3. The Word

First Reading (Genesis 37)
Joseph’s brothers are jealous because their father loves him and because Joseph dreams big dreams. Instead of celebrating him, they plot to kill him and finally sell him into slavery.

Jealousy turns family into enemies.

Gospel (Matthew 21:33–43)
Jesus tells the parable of the wicked tenants. The landowner sends servants to collect fruit, but the tenants beat them. Finally he sends his son, and they kill him to seize the inheritance.

Jesus is speaking about the prophets who were rejected and about himself, the Son, who will be killed.

The message is clear:
God sends goodness, truth, and guidance into the world, but human pride and selfishness often reject it.

4. Three Practical Lessons for Today

1. Guard your heart against jealousy.
Jealousy destroys relationships. Instead of comparing yourself with others, celebrate the gifts God has given them.

2. Do not reject the truth when it challenges you.
Sometimes God speaks through people we do not expect. When correction comes, it may be uncomfortable—but it may also be God guiding us.

3. Produce the fruits God expects.
In the Gospel, the tenants forgot that the vineyard was not theirs. Our lives, talents, and opportunities are gifts from God. Use them to produce good fruit: kindness, honesty, generosity.

5. Inspirational Quote

“Jealousy looks at another person’s blessing and forgets that God has already planted a vineyard in your own life.”

6. Conclusion

My friend, today God asks only one thing: Do not resist the good He is doing in your life.

Celebrate others.
Listen when God speaks.
And bear good fruit where you are planted.

Even small acts of goodness today can transform someone’s life.

7. Prayer

Let us pray.

Lord God,
You are the owner of the vineyard of our lives.
Remove from our hearts jealousy, pride, and stubbornness.
Teach us to rejoice in the gifts of others and to listen to your voice.
Help us today to bear fruits of love, patience, and generosity.
May our lives reflect your goodness in everything we do.

Amen. ✨