Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Many of us have heard the word “stone” used in various ways: “Leave no stone unturned.” “Getting blood from a stone,” or even “A rolling stone gathers no moss.” In today’s first reading, we are called to be “living stones” in imitation of Jesus- the original “living stone” and cornerstone. What does it mean for us to be “living stones” today and how can we help build a spiritual house for God?
We are invited to come to Jesus who is the living stone chosen by God and who is “precious in the sight of God.” (1Pet 2:4) It is through Him that we can offer spiritual sacrifices to the Father and become “living stones”. As followers of Christ, we are encouraged to “maintain good conduct” (1 Pet 2:12), so even if those around us speak badly of our actions, they will eventually recognize our good behavior, and this will bring glory to God.
So how are we called to be “living stones” today? Fortunately, we have the perfect living stone- or cornerstone- Jesus, who shows us how to live. Central to His life and teachings is love and mercy. We are called to act in the same way. We are being sent not necessarily to the far parts of the world, but to our family, neighbors, and those we encounter. St. Theresa (Mother Theresa) reminds us: “Stay where you are. Find your own Calcutta. Find the sick, the suffering, and the lonely right there where you are — in your own homes and in your own families, in your workplaces and in your schools.” We are called to live out our faith right where God has placed us.
As “living stones” we are also called to work in community. When we participate in the Eucharist, we not only receive the Body of Christ, but we become the Body of Christ. One stone is not able to build the kingdom. It takes many stones working together to help build the “spiritual house” (1Pet 2:5) that is mentioned in today’s reading. Our faith is one of community and unity. Jesus prays “that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (Jn 17:20) We need one another for encouragement, witness, and to provide the wide range of gifts and talents that are required for building the Kingdom.
Living out our faith as “living stones” may involve others pushing back against us and telling us that we do not have a voice. Bartimaeus, in the gospel reading, shows us how we are called to persevere in our faith and to seek Christ and His healing. Once we have received His mercy and love, we too are sent forth “on the way.” (Mk 10:52) Filled with God’s Spirit we become conduits of love and grace and “living stones” building God’s Kingdom on earth.
May we seek God, follow Jesus and be filled with the Spirit as we become Christ’s Body here and now. AMEN
—Marylynn Herchline