“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”
What does “the cornerstone” mean? First, we must understand who the cornerstone is. Jesus uses this verse from Psalm 118:22-23, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes.” The Israelites, whom had been rejected by the world, are only a type, a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. The Psalm is speaking of Jesus and Jesus in today’s Gospel, is telling the Israelites that they are rejecting Him, the true cornerstone, which the builders began to build long ago. Jesus desires to awaken their souls to the reality that they embrace the cornerstone; God made flesh, Jesus Christ.
This passage is recorded in all three synoptic gospels (Mt. 21:42, Mk. 12:10, and Luke 20:17). Also, Peter takes up this passage when he says, “…then all of you and all the people of Israel should know that it was in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed. He is ‘the stone rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.’” (Acts. 4:10-11)
Saint Peter also said in his letter, “Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God, and, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it says in scripture: ‘Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion, a cornerstone, chosen and precious, and whoever believes in it shall not be put to shame.’ Therefore, it is value is for you who have faith, but for those without faith: ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,’ and ‘A stone that will make people stumble, and a rock that will make them fall.’ They stumble by disobeying the word, as is their destiny.” (1 Pt. 3-8) The Catechism speaks on this idea of “living stones” when it says, “As living stones we here on earth are built into it. It is the this holy city that is seen by John as it comes down out of heaven from God when the world is made anew, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.” [1]
How fitting it is for Saint Peter the one to take up this passage so earnestly. It makes sense that Peter gravitates towards it because it was Jesus who changed his name to Peter kephas “rock” and on this cornerstone rock Jesus built His Church chiefly on him as well as all the other apostles. (cf. Mt. 16:18)
Story of Saint Francis - Rebuild My Church
The story is very well known. Early in Saint Francis conversion around the year 1205 while praying in a little country chapel named San Damiano, he heard Jesus speak from the cross saying, “Francis, Francis, go and repair My house which, as you can see, is falling into ruins.” Saint Francis began repairing the San Damiano chapel as well as other churches near Assisi. However, after prayer he realized that Jesus meant to spiritually rebuild the Church. He began the Franciscan order and helped rebuild the Church through the Order of Friars Minor. They were the living stones which helped keep the Church from falling down and strengthen her at the same time.
Search: St. Francis
The parable today talks about the cornerstone as the key piece of a building. Another architecture design that could be used is the arch. On top of the arch is the “keystone” which is the main wedge-shaped stone right at the top apex of the arch. This video describes what the keystone does and how it is very important. If we were to reject “the keystone” of the arch would collapse.
“Christians in all ages should see this parable as exhorting them to build faithfully upon Christ and make sure they do not fall into the sin of this Jewish generation. We should also be filled with hop and a sense of security; for, although the building-the Church-at some times seems to be breaking up, its sound construction, with Christ as its cornerstone, is assured.” [2]
Activity – Find Your Church’s Cornerstone
Take your group to your church and find the cornerstone. The cornerstone is “The stone in a corner of the foundation of a building. Inscribed with the name and date, a cavity in the stone may contain mementos of the time and circumstances. The cornerstone of an ecclesiastical building symbolizes Christ the Foundation of the Church and is blessed at its laying.” [3]
Discussion Questions: Have you ever been rejected by someone or a group of people? Why? Have you ever been rejected, scorned, or ostracized because of your faith?
[1] CCC 756
[2] Navarre Bible, Gospel of Matthew pg. 144
[3] Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J. Modern Catholic Dictionary