Recently, our family faced an unexpected situation with one of our sons. We were called to the school for a meeting with his class teacher because he had had a fight with one of his classmates. We were humbled and stripped off our robes of self-righteousness and self-pride. Often, God may strip away the robes that we or others may have placed on us, such as pride, envy, unforgiveness, bitterness and fear. Joseph’s robe led to rejection and betrayal. However, God transformed this rejection into the fulfilment of his divine plan. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus identifies with the landowner’s son. Like Joseph, but even more so, this rejected son became the Saviour of his rejecters. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have received the robe of sonship and new life. However, it is our choice to wear it, God does not force it upon us. It may seem easier to be robed in rags and bow to the attractions of this world than to wear the garment of Christ and receive sonship/daughterhood.

PRAYER: Abba Father, as I strive to be a faithful steward of your vineyard, grant me the strength to bear good fruit. Amen.