Lapis | Cornerstone

"The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone" - Mark 12:10 (NIV)

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In these verses of the Scripture (Mark 12:1-17), the Word of God teaches us about honor, justice and righteousness through both a parable and a regular daily life event.

In the parable of the tenants, we learn about the caring and tender love of our good Father in the figure of a farmer who planted a vineyard (figure of us, his people, his beloved church). We also learn how diligently he worked in this field, how he took very good care of it during sowing time, and also ensured each and every detail to make the field ready for harvest. He also wanted his field to be very well protected and guarded. After long invested time and effort, as a symbol of unselfish sacrifice and love, he rented the farm to foreign farmers (figure of the Pharisees, priests, teachers of the law and elders). The only condition was to take good care of his beloved field and to collect 'some', not even 'all', of the delicious fruit at harvest time.

These wicked and ungrateful tenants had other plans instead, keeping the field that wasn't theirs. They beat, treated shamefully and even killed any messenger that was sent to them to collect the fruit. They didn't even respect the one and only very loved owner's son. They caught and killed him! What a way to pay someone's mercy, favor and grace bestowed upon them.

The life experience teaches us to distinguish the honor and praise God deserves versus the honor and respect we must give to our earthy authorities. Our Lord gently and respectfully asks to collect some of the sweet fruit of all that he has plant in our hearts all this time, to honor and praise him with our life as he has invested unselfishly in ours. Why not honoring him with the fruit of our hands and hard work as good stewards of what has been given to us? Let's not forget that the Lord is the owner of all gold and silver on this earth, all visible and invisible.

Let us reflect on the way how we, as tenants in this earth, are paying back to the vineyard owner. He has take good care of us. He wants us to mature, grow and bear much fruit so when harvest time arrives, He can search for that sweet and delicious fruit in us. May His heart be filled with happiness when he finds what He is looking for in us! 

Remember, our good Father, the vineyard owner, takes care of what is His. He watches over every aspect of what He owns. We, my brothers and sisters, belong to Him, God called us by name. He has put His name on us.  Honor to the One who deserves it.

Reflection on Mark 12:1-17 by Nydia Flores

Laudate nomen Domini (Ps 113:1)

 

Every day is a good day to praise the Lord and worship his holy name. Actually, it is the best prayer with which each of us can start a new day. Although, there are many problems and anxiety in the world, let us praise the Lord. Although, you feel weak and depressed, let us praise the name of the Lord. Because everything could be grace if only we trust God wholeheartedly. Even decease and suffering is useful to grow in spiritual life. 

Consequently, from the rising of the sun, praised be the name of the Lord. Of course, we do not want to forget about the troubles and important issues nowadays. On the contrary, we like to put the Lord in the center of our attention. Yes, he is alive and he is working in the world. We are not left alone. The Lord is above and much stronger than all the most difficult things. We praise him because above the heavens is his glory. 

In addition, we are grateful for the gift of a new day. Even if we do not understand the circumstances. Even if there are wars in the world. Even if so many people are losing hope. We do not give up but praise the Lord. For we believe that he is powerful and mighty. He is able to change everything and heal everybody. That is why we start a new day with a song of praise. 

Overall, we do trust in the Lord, our God, who lives on high and takes care of the earth. As the patient Father, he looks from the heights and lifts his lowly servants. Yes, we are poor and sinful children. Nonetheless, from the beginning of the new day, we praise his holy name with courage. The very foundation of our prayer is his everlasting love for each of us. So we are glad praising and worshiping the Lord.  

By Fr. Jozef Trzebuniak, SVD.