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2026-03-06 - Jealousy: The Seed of Violence Author: Fr. Camillus Nwaigwe

6th of March 2026
Friday in the Second Week of Lent, Year II
Gen 37:3-4,12-13,17-28 
Mt 21:33-43,45-46
 
 
In the First Reading of today, we see the story of Joseph and his brothers. At first the problem seems small. Joseph is loved more by his father. But that preference awakens jealousy in the hearts of his brothers. The Scripture says, "They hated him and could not speak peaceably to him."
Notice how jealousy develops. It begins with comparison, resentment, then hatred. Before long, jealousy that started in the heart ends in violence. Joseph's brothers threw him into a pit and sold him into slavery. Jealousy rarely stays small; it grows if it is not confronted.
 
The same pattern is followed in the Gospel. Jesus tells the parable of the wicked tenants. The tenants were entrusted with a vineyard, but when the owner sent servants to collect the harvest, they beat and killed them. They later killed the heir. What began as greed and envy, ended in murder. Jesus tells this story because the religious leaders were already plotting against Him. Their jealousy of His influence and authority was leading them toward the violence of the Cross.
 
Friends, Jealousy has destroyed families, friendships, and even nations. It whispers dangerous lies like, "Why does he have more than you?" "Why is she appreciated more than you?" "Why is God blessing them and not you?" Instead of gratitude, jealousy creates bitterness. Instead of unity, it creates division.
The brothers of Joseph were twelve men meant to be united as a family, but jealousy nearly destroyed them.
 
The hidden forms of Jealousy today
Jealousy today may not throw people into pits, but it still harms others in subtle ways: speaking badly about someone's success,
undermining a colleague, refusing to rejoice in another person's progress, spreading rumors to damage someone's reputation. Violence does not always begin with weapons; sometimes it begins with words and attitudes.
 
The antidote to jealousy
The Gospel invites us to cultivate the opposite spirit: gratitude and generosity of heart. Instead of asking, "Why does he have this?"
Ask, "How can I thank God for what He has given me?" Instead of competing with others, learn to celebrate their blessings. God's gifts are not limited resources. Someone else's blessing does not diminish yours.
 
The brothers of Joseph allowed jealousy to grow until it became violence. The tenants in the Gospel allowed envy to grow until it led to murder. The lesson is clear: every act of violence begins as a small seed in the heart. If we uproot jealousy early, with gratitude, humility, and love, then our hearts become places where peace can grow instead of violence.



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Date: 2026-08-09 - 2026-08-15

From The Chancery   Dear Brothers, happy weekend! You would recall that during the last Bishop's/Priests' Meeting, the Bishop directed that the entire diocese of Umuahia should be observing a one week prayer for *Peace* in Igbo land. I am happy to inform you that, following the directive of His Lordship, the seven days prayers will begin on the 9th of August, and end on the solemnity of Our Lady's Assumption (15th of August), 2026. Take note of the following, please: 1) Take time to explain to your parishioners about the importance of the one week of prayers. 2) Draw their attention to the fact that this is directed by the Bishop himself. 3) Remember that it is a daily evening program. 4) The color to wear is black. 5) The day begins with Rosary procession and concludes with holy Mass. 6) All are advised to make sacrifices during those days.   Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding the program. Thanks for your usual understanding and positive cooperation.   Rev Henry Maduka

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logoThe Diocese of Umuahia was erected on June 23, 1958 with Most Rev. Anthony Gogo Nwaedo C.S.Sp. as its first Bishop and Most Rev Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji as the second Bishop. The diocese was carved out from the then Diocese of Owerri. Since its inception, two other dioceses: Okigwe (1981) and Aba (1990) have been excised from it. Its present area of about 2,460.40km2 spans six Local Government Areas: Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Ikwuano, Bende, Ohafia and Arochukwu.

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