Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a Ps 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21 Mt 21:33-43, 45-46

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer Praying Lent The Daily Reflections

“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes.” -Matthew 21:42

Parables are some of Jesus’ best teachings and also some of my favorite passages because they each tell a story that carries a profound meaning for both the every day disciple as well as the studied scholar. Jesus’ parable in this chapter of the Gospel of Matthew reminds me of the very popular saying that the “last will be first, and the first will be last,” which interestingly is just mentioned in the previous chapter in Matthew. Much like the laborers who were the last to be chosen and hired in the vineyard, Jesus talks of how even the rejected cornerstone can have worth. The least among the stones, and similarly among people, can turn out to be the most valuable of individuals in the end, when given the opportunity.

It always amazes me how Jesus was never afraid to stand up for the ostracized in society. He was not worried about how much others thought they were worth, or how useful they were in a functioning and productive civilization. To Jesus, it was about human dignity and bringing out the best in an individual’s character, which I have found comes out with just that little nudge of unconditional support. In this time of Lent, this passage is perfect to remind us of all the good deeds Jesus has done for mankind in his saving compassion.