March 21, 2025

Friday of the Second Week of Lent

Lectionary 234

Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46:

Meditation

People do not like to compete with excellence. It is much easier to live with mediocrity and the status quo. While an outstanding example of heroic caring and loving is presented, the rest of the community feels that it is far from living up to its potential, and they begin to feel inadequate.

Those who stand head and shoulders above the crowd are most often persecuted. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was assassinated; Nelson Mandela, who was jailed. Both were Nobel Peace Prize winners and were mocked and ridiculed for their peacemaking efforts. Ironically, these very ones save the rest of society from its own worst enemy – itself!

Today's parable illustrates Jesus's plight. The Father, the owner of the vineyard, has provided his people's livelihood, but they resent his servants and even kill his son. They fail to see that they are killing the one who alone can ensure their salvation. Yet the death of Jesus will still save that society from itself. "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone."

During this season of Lent, we must ask ourselves where we stand on that hill of crucifixion. Are we with Mary entering into her Son's agony by our active and compassionate presence? Or could it be that we are part of the mob crucifying the Son of Man again? His mother shared Jesus' suffering on Calvary and throughout his life. Her loving relationship with God faithfully marks each mystery of her life, with God's Son and hers.

Her message at La Salette bids us share in the sufferings of her children worldwide. The crucifix with hammer and pincers she wears upon her heart resonates with her call to conversion. It was fitting that the brightness in which she and the children stood should emanate from that crucifix. Jesus is the pivotal point of wisdom, goodness, and generosity for all who come to know him. He is, in fact, the cornerstone of their life.