Daily Catholic Lectio. Fri, 21 March ’25. Hatred

Daily Catholic Lectio

Fri, 21 March ‘25

Second Week of Lent – Friday

Jeremiah 17:5-10. Psalm 1. Luke 16:19-31

Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17a-28. Psalm 105. Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

Hatred

In yesterday’s Gospel reading (the parable of the rich man and Lazarus), we reflected on indifference as a human emotion. Today’s readings focus on another intense human emotion: hatred.

The term ‘hatred’ has become a frequent expression in social and political discourse today. Hatred has transcended individual emotions and now fuels conflicts between groups, communities, and nations. Social media has further amplified hatred, spreading it rapidly.

Both the first reading and the Gospel passage highlight hatred— The first reading portrays brothers hating their own sibling. The Gospel passage depicts members of the same nation hating their fellow countrymen.

Joseph and his brothers: Hatred among siblings

Joseph, bringing food for his brothers who were tending flocks near Dothan, is seen from a distance. His brothers exclaim: “Here comes the dreamer! Let’s kill him and throw him into one of these pits. We’ll say a wild animal devoured him. Then let’s see what becomes of his dreams!”

What drove Joseph’s brothers to plot his murder? Their father Jacob showed favouritisms toward Joseph. Joseph reported their wrongdoings to their father. Joseph had dreams suggesting that his brothers and parents would one day bow to him—dreams he openly shared with them.

Jealousy and anger grew into hatred. The nature of hatred is that it seeks to erase the other person’s existence.

Hatred against Jesus

Throughout His ministry, Jesus faced many opponents. The chief priests, scribes, and Pharisees actively opposed Him. Over time, their opposition turned into hatred. Hatred is dangerous—it leads to murder. Jesus indirectly addresses the hatred against Him through the parable of the wicked tenants.

The parable of the wicked tenants: A Reflection of Hatred

During Jesus’ time, vineyards, fields, and estates were often leased out to tenants. Typically, landowners and tenants made verbal agreements about rent and harvest shares. There were no written contracts—many people were illiterate, and writing was seen as unnecessary. And transactions were based on ‘trust’ and ‘confidence.’

The landowner’s generosity vs. The tenants’ greed

In the parable, the landowner is remarkably generous: He fences the vineyard, He digs a winepress, He builds a watchtower. Ordinarily, tenants would be responsible for setting up these facilities. However, in this case, the landowner provides everything.

At harvest time, tenants were expected to give the landowner his rightful share. Instead, they refused to pay.

The landowner sends his servants, but the tenants beat and kill them. Finally, he sends his son, hoping they would respect him. Instead, the tenants kill the son, believing they can take possession of the vineyard.

The landowner’s kindness and generosity are met with hatred and greed. Out of jealousy, anger, and selfishness, the tenants deny him what is rightfully his.

Recognizing that the parable was about them, the chief priests and Pharisees plotted to arrest Jesus. Jesus’ kindness was not reciprocated. Instead, He was met with hatred—hatred so strong that it led to His crucifixion.

Today’s message: A call for self-examination

Do we harbour hatred in our hearts? Does this hatred manifest in our words and actions? We often envy people’s success and wealth, but we never envy their hard work.

Hatred is evident in gender, race, religion, ethnicity, caste, language, traditions, and social status. Even in small ways, hatred surfaces as irritation, rejection, or discomfort.

Hatred is worse than Indifference. Indifference ignores someone’s existence. Hatred actively seeks their elimination or destruction.

How do we face hatred?

Both Joseph and Jesus faced hatred, but neither saw themselves as victims. They stood resilient, endured suffering, and triumphed. They did not allow others’ hatred, rejection, or hostility to destroy their purpose.

An African proverb says: “If kindness were always repaid with kindness, water would flow uphill.” But water never flows uphill!

Let us not allow hatred to take root in our hearts. Let us choose kindness instead.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Messenger of Mercy