The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes.

Jesus quotes Isaiah here to tell the Pharisees that they are rejecting the very one who came to bring them salvation. They knew he was aiming his parables at them, but rather than giving them deeper consideration, they rejected them outright, and eventually put Jesus to death.

The various exchanges Jesus has with the Pharisees are sad in many ways. In the first place, the Pharisees were the most practicing element in Israel in Jesus’ day. They were leading a renewal movement and were very strict in their observance, often going beyond what Jewish law required. But they could not understand or appreciate Jesus, who was also leading a renewal movement, but one based on God’s love and mercy. This was quite different from the Pharisees’ legalistic practice, and they closed their minds to it.

It is easy to criticize the Pharisees. But they are an object lesson of what we can easily fall into as well. We go to Mass frequently, often more than once a week. We may be active in our parishes. We go beyond the minimum. But we can use this very “more than required” way of life to convince ourselves that we are better than others. And we never really grow.

The Eucharist, however, is meant to make us “one body, one spirit in Christ.” Perhaps we need to reflect more on the Liturgy of the Word. There, we can familiarize ourselves with the teaching and practice of Jesus and thus bring about a continual renewal of our practice, as we try to make Jesus and his way the true cornerstone of our life and practice.

When was the last time I changed my practice to be more Christ-like?

Let Us Pray:

O God, help me build my life upon the Christ, the foundation of all that was, all that is, and all that will ever be. Help me stay connected to you and be aware of your presence in my life.