THROW STONES OR BUILD A CHURCH?
Sin is “missing the mark,” the beginning of a crack or the widening of a gap in our relationship with others or with God. There is an inner resistance to return “home” to God. There is an amnesia of the past blessings in our lives. Even Israel constantly forgets the many wonders God has wrought in their lives.
Jeremiah narrates the plots the Israelites have done against the prophets. They denounced him. They insisted on their infidelities and followed their idols. They forgot the God who rescued them from oppression in Egypt. Some Jews in Jesus’ time tried to stone Him. They accused Him of blasphemy because He called Himself the Son of God. This would culminate at crucifying Him.
Later, the early Christians witnessed that Jesus, the stone rejected, became the cornerstone. In fact, the early church believed that we are living stones to be offered for God.
However, we are known by the way we respond in times of crisis, by the way we meet the resistance brought to us. True gold is tested by fire. The psalm reminds us of God as the rock of refuge: “In my distress I called upon the Lord and cried out to my God; from his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.” Jeremiah and all the other prophets up to Jesus showed the fidelity of God.
St. Francis of Assisi returned to Jesus by rebuilding the church of San Damiano, led a simpler lifestyle, and also inspired Bernard to be a brick for God. The decision is to throw stones or build the stones for the glory of God. Fr. Teodulo P. Gonzales, S.J.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS: What challenges do you face in your life? Where do you draw your strength in times of crisis? What are the fruits of your labor? Do they lead to the glory of God or just your glory?
Lord Jesus, curb my tendency to throw stones. Instead, empower me to build up Your Church.
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