The hard stones on the path to Jerusalem were ready to praise Jesus as King of Glory (Lk 19:40). Even the hard stones of the tomb embraced, sheltered and protected the dead body of Jesus. Sadly, those who opposed Jesus had hearts as hard as the stone-cold tomb. Jesus desired so much to transform hardened human hearts that He became a man to reveal the Father's love and die so that we might have the chance for eternal life.
Will we have stony hearts? (Ez 36:26) Will we be stony ground (see Mk 4:5) and cry out, "Crucify Jesus" (see Lk 23:21)? Or will we be "living stones" to build the Church, the Kingdom of God? (1 Pt 2:5) The Church is built on St. Peter, the Rock (Mt 16:18). If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts as hard as stones (Ps 95:8).
To soften our stony hearts, Jesus allowed His body to be pierced. He eagerly desired to share the Passover, the Mass, with us (Lk 22:15). He loves us unto death (Jn 13:1ff). God can raise up children of Abraham from the stones (Lk 3:8). Let's not allow the stones to out-praise us. Let the Lord change you from rock-hard to a living stone. Cry out in praise, Hosanna!
| PRAYER: | Father, soften my stony heart to be like clay in Your hands of love (Jer 18:6). |
| PROMISE: | "The Lord God is My help, therefore I am not disgraced." –Is 50:7 |
| PRAISE: | "Blessed is He Who comes as King in the name of the Lord!" (Lk 19:38) |
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