The Stone Rejected

6/4/2018

Step #1: Lectio / Read

Click the link below or open your Bible to the passage and read through the reading at least once, paying attention to what is happening in the text.

Mark 12:1-12

Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

In today’s Gospel, Jesus was speaking directly to the chief priest, scribes and the elders about the parable of the wicked tenants of the vineyard. He pretty much said, “Hey, God had entrusted His Kingdom to you, the vineyard of His people and you did not serve Him or reap the fruit of the vineyard which were their souls!” He goes on to say, “Instead, you beat or killed each of the servants He sent you who came to obtain some of the produce and served yourselves instead of God.”

Jesus was talking about the prophets in the Old Testament. And then, God sent his Son, for sure, they will not kill my beloved Son. Jesus knew full well they would kill Him, the beloved Son, and forewarned them that the Kingdom of God would be taken away from them and given to people who would produce fruit.

In order to produce fruit, you must love, care, nurture and pay attention to the vineyard – God’s people. The leaders of the Jews did not genuinely love and care for God’s people, it was all about them. So, Gentiles became Christians and they now serve the Lord Jesus Christ and produce fruit by loving and caring in God’s love all of His people and reap the salvation of souls from the vineyard.

He plainly stated to the Jewish leaders, who were very well versed in scripture…
Have you not read this Scripture passage:

The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
by the Lord has this been done,
and it is wonderful in our eyes?"

It was God’s plan that the stone (Jesus) be rejected so that he can make Jesus the “cornerstone” of the vineyard for the faithful tenants to replace the faithless tenant farmers. The “cornerstone” is a stone placed on the top of two walls where they come together and is essential to hold and secure the structure. God had control over this and it is wonderful in our eyes because Jesus is Our Salvation and the New Covenant.

Now it is our job to be diligent laborers in the vineyard by loving everyone as God loves us, teaching our faith, living the Gospel and producing fruit of saving souls in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.

Where are you failing to love and serve others as God has called you to? How can you serve them today?

Do you reach out to the least of those that God is asking you to serve?

When you are feeling like you are too small to serve, where does the Lord call you?

Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.

"The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;"

"By the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes?"

"Lord help me serve you."

Step #5: Actio / Act

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with the Lord bear fruit in you today?

Today, spend some time with the passages of the Old Testament and pray through how it is fulfilled by Christ in the new. Pick one of the below scripture verses and pray with it today.

Psalms 118: 22-23
Isaiah 28:16

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Today’s Prayer was prepared by Kendra Von Esh, a Speaker and Author, inspiring others to lead with compassion and enrich their lives through faith and prayer.

If you have anything you'd like our team to pray for, please go to the page of our website called "Prayers" and let us know how we can pray for you today.

CARPE VERBUM