Dress to God's Word / "Liturgical Dress": March 21

Readings

Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a Joseph's brothers plotted to kill him, but Reuben convinced them just to throw him into the cistern. Then they sold him to the Ishmaelites.

Ps 105:16-21 "Remember the marvels the Lord has done." The Lord sent Joseph, sold as a slave, weighed down and bound till God's word proved him and the king made him master of his house.

Mt 21:33-43, 45-46 “A landowner leased a vineyard and went on a journey. When he sent servants to obtain his produce, the tenants beat or killed them. Finally, he sent his son, but they killed him too. What will he do when he returns?” / “Kill the tenants and lease to others.” / “As 'the stone the builders rejected became the cornerstone,' the Kingdom will be taken away from you and given to others to produce fruit.”

Pope Francis

Homily: In the parable, Jesus showed the Pharisees they'd fallen by not having hearts open to God's word. God's Word became theirs, according to their interests and ideologies, in their service, interpreted according to their will—and to preserve it, they killed. They understood he was talking about them and sought to kill him; God's Word dies, and the Spirit is caged in their desires. That happens to us too when we're not open and obedient to God's Word, but there's hope: God's Word died in them, and can in us, but it lives in the simple and humble. The Pharisees feared the simple crowds that followed Jesus, listened to the Word, and sought to improve. To not alter or kill God's Word and not cage the Spirit, be humble, pray, and listen to and obey God's Word.

Papal preacher's sermon: “I Believe the Church Is One and Holy” on St. Augustine's theology, Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa's 2nd reflection in series on Doctors of the Church, prepared for Pope Francis and the Roman Curia

Reflections

Creighton: Joseph's brothers were so envious that they plotted to destroy him. If we don't pay attention, relationships break down. Reach out to someone we've slipped away from.

RC.net: Joseph was rejected sold into slavery, but his suffering resulted in redemption and reconciliation. Joseph prefigures Jesus, betrayed by one of his own and crucified for our redemption and reconciliation with God. The vineyard parable tells of God's generosity and trust. God, like the landowner, gives freedom and is patient, forgiving—and just. Do I serve with joy, hope, and confidence?

Passionist: The readings are redemption sagas: one about Joseph whose 11 brothers ganged up on him, the other about a landowner whose tenants failed him. We're broken, and God our Redeemer can repair us.

Music

Joseph's coat, from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat/ Lloyd Webber/Rice (1st reading)

Apparel

Silver-colored "ruler" tie bar: Joseph fetched 20 pieces of silver (1st reading); the 'ruler' of the peoples set Joseph free (psalm)

Dress your life!

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Dress to God's Word / "Liturgical Dress"