Today’s Gospel, Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46, forced me to reflect on my decisions when encountering others. Although I have not killed someone, unlike tenants in today’s reading, I have not always treated other with the love they deserve. I am referring to the times I have become angry at a friend or family member for a misunderstanding or something the other did (or didn’t) do, or something I did (or didn’t) do. I am also, referring to the countless number of times I have allowed myself to become caught up in believing the world revolves around me.

Just like the tenants I can easily become focused on my wants and needs rather than what the owner, or for me, God, wants. This misdirection of my attention is easy for me to do. I forget I am not the center of the universe, regardless of situations occurring in my life. I focus in solely on my mind and what is going on in my life rather than focusing on my life in relationship with other people lives. There have been countless number of times I have rejected the man or woman working the cash register when I go to the store simply because I am either busy, have other things on my mind, or I do not want to make the effort to ask the woman or man how she/he is doing today. This might seem little or insignificant, and maybe rejection, in your opinion is too strong of a word, but instead of recognizing how truly special this person is, I focus on solely on my personal end goal: to purchase the items I came to the store for and leave. I believe God’s light is inside each and every one of us.

Therefore, when I reject the cashier or the sales clerk or any other person who crosses paths with me, I am also rejecting a piece of God.  I am thankful for today’s gospel because it reminded me of the ways in which I have rejected others. With this reminder I able to attempt to recognize my life in relation with others and with God in order so I can reject others as little as my human capabilities allow it to be possible.