The stone which the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone. Psalm 118:22
How could a stone be used as the cornerstone after the builders had decided it wouldn’t work? A friend who makes his living as a builder helped me find the answer: The builder decides which stones will work in terms of size, color and placement. But even if the builder has rejected a certain stone, the stonemason can help the builder to reassess that decision. The decision to use something previously rejected may come about because the stone’s particular shape or color will offer the building a unique strength and/or beauty beyond the typical.
Charismatic and powerful, Jesus embodied a new way of relating to God and to others beyond what people had ever seen. Rejected by the “business as usual” religion of the Pharisees and scribes, Jesus was “reassessed” by anyone who sought the beautiful life Jesus promised: personal nearness to God and compassionate love for others. He became the cornerstone that could hold a life and a community together.
Fr. James Krings
Originally published May 3, 2009
