There are times I can be like a Pharisees and chief priests.  I trade my faith and my hope in exchange for the offerings of the world.  It comes in the form of self-preservation, cynicism and suspicion.  I sow seeds of doubt and soon find myself in need of Jesus.  Today’s words in the Scripture give me an opportunity to reflect, remember, rebuke, and reconcile. 

The reflection begins with the parable.  Jesus offers something tangible, something my mind can comprehend and I can easily understand.  Even the Pharisees and chief priests related to this story and easily answered Jesus’ question. 

I remember when Jesus offers Psalm 118.  Even as I read the passage I was transported to Easter Sunday, thinking of the hope in the resurrection, finding baskets in the morning, Easter eggs and sharing food and fellowship with loved ones.  It is one of my favorite parts of the Easter Sunday Mass.  The Pharisees and chief priests would have remembered this Psalm as well. 

Jesus rebukes the Pharisees and chief priests.  He clearly states: “the Kingdom of God will be taken from you.”  Jesus is very straightforward and gives a warning, you will lose your inheritance.  It is not a time to be lukewarm. (Rev 3:16)

Reconcile. Jesus loved even those who were “attempting to arrest him.”  Even in this moment, when we might be hopeless, struggling in faith, doubting, suspicious, cynical, or relying on self, Jesus extends an invitation to all of us for reconciliation.  When I find myself here, I take the recommendation from the Psalmist, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.” (Psalm 118:24).  Praise Jesus! Praise him through the trial. Praise him through tribulations. Praise him so you only leave room for more of him. 

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