“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes.”

Scripture: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 and Psalm 19 (Track 2: Isaiah 5:1-7 and Psalm 80:7-14); Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46

We continue with Jesus' parables in the vineyard. But first, this week, we have the Ten Commandments, the story of God's vineyard in Isaiah, and Paul's personal testimony and pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.

God gives us the law to help us get it together. He sends us the prophets, and when we still don't get it, he sends his Son, and what do we do to him? What do the tenants of the vineyard deserve under the law? What does God do in this parable told by Jesus? What does Jesus mean when he immediately says after the tenants have killed the son of the vineyard owner that the stone which the builders have rejected becomes the cornerstone, and will crush anyone it falls on? What does he mean that the kingdom of God will be taken away and given to those who produce fruits of the kingdom? What are the fruits of the kingdom?

I include sermons and exegesis by our own Fr. Rodge Wood, The Rev. Charles Hoffacker and John Donahue of the Society of Jesuits. What does Fr. Rodge say is the cornerstone on which the kingdom is built? See his story, when he was a prison chaplain, about the murderer and family of the victims. Hoffacker asks how can we put into practice the lessons learned from the rejection of the stone which becomes the cornerstone. Consider his examples of the Danish king and people's resistance to the Nazis, the stand against Marcos in the Philippines - young and old bound together to oppose the dictator, and Mandela in South Africa. How can we, in our everyday lives have the liberating power and authority (εξουσια) of Christ - the rejected stone, become the cornerstone - in our lives,  and bring it to the lives of others - even our enemies - producing fruits of the kingdom?

I look forward to seeing you Sunday. Give thanks for the wedding of Alan and Jan's daughter, Natalie, and her fiancé, Van, this Saturday. May God's joy, peace and radiant love be with them and us, now, and forevermore.