The Living Stone

In today's second reading and in the Gospel we  hear of edifices, whether it be of the cornerstone of the building and of the dwelling places that are in the Father's house.  Reflecting on the second reading from Peter in which the word stone is used, let us think of a stone.  As defined in the English Oxford Dictionary a stone is "A piece of rock or hard mineral substance (other than metal)." We typically think of stones as immovable objects or something that cannot be broken.  As a child I remember going out to the local river in which the beach was full of stones.  None of these could be broken.  The origin of these stones come from a much larger piece of rock.

Applying this to the reading today that larger piece of rock is Jesus, immovable, steady, and everlasting. In this large stone many rooms can be constructed. These rooms are for his followers.  Taking this a step further the stones that we find in our journey are the followers.  They have weathered the wind, rain and inclement weather of the world.  These stones are not grains of sand which have been eroded by sin and the passions of the world. Instead they will be gathered up the Builder who is constantly adding rooms to His house, his universal church.  Each of us has been chosen to a stone, to add to the kingdom, as well as to gather other stones so that the house may be strong.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled," states Jesus to the disciples.  "You have faith in God; have faith in me also." Let us have faith in Jesus that He will take us to the dwelling place prepared for us.  Build on your faith, on your foundation which is Christ. Become that rock for those around you that sustains the elements of the world.  Let sin not penetrate the stone, although we may survive the hammer that strives to break us down, which at times may inflict chips, in putting our faith in the cornerstone we will be joined in the one dwelling cemented by faith. Become refined, smoothed, and glimmering stones of faith, so that we can be seen a piece of the Father's work.