Certain Scripture passages came alive for the early Church and led it to encounter the risen Lord. Psalm 118:22 was one of the most powerful. It is quoted in Matthew, Mark, Luke, Romans, 1 Peter, and in Acts 4:11: "This Jesus is 'the Stone rejected by you the builders Which has become the Cornerstone.'"
Jesus' crucifixion epitomized His rejection, and His resurrection definitively established Him as the Cornerstone. We still reject the Cornerstone today, at least indirectly. If we reject one sent by Jesus, we reject Jesus the Cornerstone and the Father (Lk 10:16).
If we reject a major calling from Jesus, we reject the Cornerstone. For example, Jesus calls us to a risen lifestyle, but we may reject the cornerstone of risen life, that is, gospel poverty. He calls us to worship, but many of us reject spiritual gifts, especially the gift of tongues. Jesus promises us renewal, but we reject the cornerstone of renewal, community. He assures us of financial security, but we reject tithing and continue participating in the usury of our banking system.
Are we still subtly rejecting Jesus the Cornerstone?
| PRAYER: | Jesus, I repent and roll away the stone of sin. I accept You as the Cornerstone of my life and of reality. |
| PROMISE: | "So they made a cast, and took so many fish they could not haul the net in. Then the disciple Jesus loved cried out to Peter, 'It is the Lord!'" –Jn 21:6-7 |
| PRAISE: | Praise the risen Jesus, Whose name is above every other name! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College