"The stone which the builders rejected"

Today’s readings: Genesis 37:3-4,12-13,17-28; Psalm 105:16-21; Matthew 21: 33-43, 45-46

The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;

by the Lord has this been done,

and it is wonderful in our eyes?

Therefore, I say to you,

the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you

and given to a people that will produce its fruit.”

     -Matthew 21:42-43

This is a very important message.  Before Jesus established a new Church, the Israelites were intended to be the “people” of the kingdom.  But, Jesus tells them that the Kingdom will be taken away from them and given to people who will do good things.  It is the natural consequence of their actions.  God has sent prophet after prophet and they did not listen.  Finally, his Son has come…and they are going to put him to death.  It is as if they are saying to God that they don’t want to have the kingdom, and so the natural consequence is that the kingdom won’t be theirs.  He establishes the universal Christian Church.  Notice that he continues to carry with him the people that turn to his words and follow him.  In the Old Testament times, the covenant was with the Israelites…and when Christ came he increased the covenant to include the entire world (it is important to remember that he is not excluding the Israelites).  We are still given the opportunity to choose if we want to be with him or not, because God always gives us the ability to choose.  But, He is very clear that the Church Jesus establishes has the responsibility to carry the love and truth to all people (as Christ did).  He promises that he will never abandon the Church, that the Church will always carry his mission and truth.

But, that doesn’t mean that we have it easy.  It doesn’t mean that we can live however we want just because we are part of that Church.  In fact, it means the opposite.

If we want to continue to be part of the Kingdom, our words, thoughts and actions need to be directed to the Kingdom.  How do you treat the people in your life?  How do you live your vocation out?  How do you challenge yourself and others to be virtuous?  How much joy do you choose to have, especially when the rough waters hit?  How much dignity do you show others?  How well do you follow the example of Christ and His Church?  How can you more fully become an example of someone who strives to obey the Son? 

These are just some of the things we should ask ourselves every day.  Selfishness and pride have no place in the Kingdom.

In my life. I try to remember that Christ promises not to abandon the Church, and that it is how we live those teachings on whether or not we are living in that promise.  It isn’t that the Church will fall, but if I am not careful with my life, then it will be me who is falling from Christ and his Church.

As we take some time to focus on the cross of Christ (being a Friday in Lent), it should encourage us to action!  Today, let us take some time to focus on how we have accepted the words of Christ so that we will not give up the kingdom for our own weakness and wants.