Tuesday, December 3, 2024
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
Luke 20:17
I don’t know whether you’ve ever noticed St. John’s cornerstone.
It’s located on the north side of the building, or to the left as you face the entrance, just to the left of the side entrance.
I thought it an unusual location, because cornerstones are normally more visible from the front of a building. Someday, I will research why it was placed there, but that isn’t the purpose of this reflection.
What’s the significance of a cornerstone?
According to architect Bill Whittaker, the cornerstone has three chief purposes: building orientation, history, and celebration.
It’s usually the first stone set in the building process and everything else is aligned to it.
St. John’s cornerstone, like many others, is hollowed out and contains a time capsule with historical documents and other artifacts.
In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus makes the point in his parable that he was rejected by those to whom he was sent. He was executed as a common criminal, but death did not have the last word.
His followers built their lives on the cornerstone that is Jesus, who modeled for them and for us a life of compassion, justice, and love.
Jesus is the foundation that strengthens our faith, and he invites us to walk in faith with him each day.
Let us pray.
Almighty God, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, p. 230)
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