DAILY CHEWING STICK FOR FRIDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK OF LENT

DAILY CHEWING STICK FOR FRIDAY OF THE 2ND WEEK OF LENT, 18TH MARCH 2022 (Gen 37:3-4.12-13.17-28; Mtt 21:33-43.45-46).

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Two days ago, precisely on Wednesday in our first reading (Jer 18:18-20), we saw a PLOT TO KILL JEREMIAH BY THE JEWS. What could have prompted them? JEASLOUSY!
In our first reading of today(Bible passage above), we see a PLOT TO KILL JOSEPH BY HIS BROTHERS. What could have prompted It? JEALOUSY!
In the Gospel of today(Bible passage above), we also heard of a PLOT TO KILL THE SON OF THE VINEYARD OWNER BY THE WICKED TENANTS. What could have prompted this? JEALOUSY!

Dearly Beloved in Christ, behind these THREE PLOTS TO KILL as mentioned above, JEALOUSY can be traced.
However, reflecting deeper on our first reading today, one is tempted to ask; WHAT COULD HAVE BROUGHT ABOUT THE JEALOUSY OF JOSEPH’S BROTHERS?
Now just a quick one to answer that. Do you remember that LABAN had two DAUGHTERS(Leah and Rachel)? Do you remember that JACOB loved Rachel and had to serve Laban for SEVEN YEARS so as to have her?
Do you also remember that after Seven years, LABAN DECEIVED JACOB BY HANDING OVER LEAH INSTEAD OF RACHEL?
Do you still remember that Jacob had to serve another Seven Years to finally have Rachel, THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE?
I’m sure you have not forgotten that LEAH HAD CHILDREN BUT RACHEL DID NOT. However, after a very long time, when Jacob was advanced in age, Rachel finally had Joseph, A CHILD OF JACOB’S OLD AGE. DO YOU NOW SEE WHY JACOB LOVED HIM SO MUCH AND EVEN GAVE HIM A SPECIAL ROBE TO WEAR? DO YOU NOW SEE SOURCE OF THE JEALOUSY? You can read Genesis 29 to 37 for all the details.

Brethren, do you think Jacob should be BLAMED FOR EXPRESSING SUCH SENTIMENTS TO JOSEPH bearing in mind the line of discussion as stated above?
Some PARENTS may also share such sentiments and feelings on ONE OR TWO of their Children. Yes, perhaps the circumstances surrounding the birth of the Child could make the Mother or Father LOVING HIM/HER MORE. Perhaps the time of his/her arrival.
We can also see this sentiments expressed by BOSS IN THE OFFICE OVER A PARTICULAR STAFF THAN THE OTHERS. Just perhaps because of the way and manner the Staff is committed to duty. Or even his/her sense of maturity, punctuality, quick discharge of assignments given, etc.
We can also see this sentiments expressed by TEACHERS TO ONE OR TWO STUDENTS MUCH MORE THAN THE OTHERS FOR MANY REASONS.

Dear Friends, the questions I want to ask include: WHEREVER THIS SENTIMENTS EXIST, SHOULD JEALOUSY LEAD TO PLOT TO KILL???
HAVE YOU EVER SEEN OR HEARD WHERE THEY ARE PLOTTING TO KILL ANOTHER OUT OF JEALOUSY?
HAS IT EVER HAPPENED TO YOU BEFORE THAT THEY WERE PLOTTING AGAINST YOU?
HAVE YOU ALSO BEEN AMONG THOSE CONSPIRING TO KILL OTHERS OUT OF JEALOUSY?
ARE YOU THE JEALOUS TYPE?
IN ALL HONESTY, WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT AS REGARDS JEALOUSY? As in, what crazy thing do you think you ever did because you were jealous?
IS JEALOUSY MAKING YOU A BETTER PERSON? OR DO YOU SEE IT AS SOMETHING THAT INFLUENCES YOU NEGATIVELY AND SHOULD BE WORKED ON?

My Dear People of God, the time to work on that VICE OF JEALOUSY IS NOW, LENTEN SEASON, TIME OF GOD’S MERCY AND COMPASSION.
Remember, James 3: 16 says; FOR WHEREVER THERE IS JEALOUSY AND SELFISH AMBITION, THERE YOU WILL FIND DISORDER AND EVIL OF EVERY KIND.
Finally, jealousy is a sign of insecurity, weakness and obsession.
DROP JEALOUSY AND ENVY, FOR THEY MAKE YOU UGLY.
Whoever is trying to bring you down out of Jealousy is ALREADY BELOW YOU.
Some people can be the MOON but still jealous of the STAR.
The JEALOUS ONES are troublesome to others, but TORMENT to themselves. SO DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THEM!

Good Morning and DON’T FORGET TO GO FOR STATIONS OF THE CROSS AND MASS TODAY.

Rev. Fr. Francis Uchechukwu Onugha (Fada Kosi Much).