Envy and resentment

Some people in this world have many good things happen to them, others have fewer good things.

Tragically, many often focus on the good things enjoyed by others: wishing that they had these things too and even hating those who have them.

Today’s readings – the story of Joseph and his brothers (from Genesis 37) and the Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46) – warn us about envy and resentment, which lead people to evil deeds and ultimately to their own doom.

Envy and resentment are traps.

True freedom may be found in our Lord’s words to St. Peter at the end of John’s Gospel (21:22):

What is that to thee?
Follow thou me.

We should let nothing distract us.

Our focus should be on the Lord and on being faithful to his will.

Thus we may avoid the peril of envy and resentment and fully attain the blessings the Lord wishes to share with us, not just in this world but more gloriously and completely in the world without end.