The Rejected Cornerstone: Friday of the Second Week of Lent

God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son; so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life. John 3:16

This is probably one of the most memorized Bible texts. Ever. This is the verse which will be read before the Gospel on this Friday of the Second Week of Lent. It reminds us that God’s love is unconditional. He sent his Son to save us, knowing he would be rejected. Even though Jesus was cast aside, his love never failed. His response to rejection was not bitterness, but sacrifice. And love.

Kindness in the Face of Rejection

In the Gospel reading, we hear the parable of the landowner who planted a vineyard. "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

Here, Jesus tells the story of a landowner who plants a vineyard and places it in the care of his tenants. When the landowner sends his servants to collect the harvest, the tenants beat, stone, and kill them. Finally, he sends his son, thinking they will respect him, but they kill him too, hoping to take the inheritance. This parable is an allegory of salvation history:

The landowner represents God the Father.
The vineyard represents Israel, God’s chosen people.
The tenants symbolize the religious leaders who were entrusted with God’s people but rejected his messengers.
The servants are the prophets, sent by God but often rejected and killed.
The son is Jesus Christ, who they would soon crucify.

Jesus warns that the Kingdom of God will be taken from those who reject him and given to those who bear fruit. The passage ends with a prophecy from Psalm 118:22, where Jesus identifies himself as the cornerstone, rejected by the builders, but chosen by God as the foundation of salvation.

The religious leaders understood the parable was about them, which only hardened their hearts even more. Instead of repenting, they plotted to arrest Jesus, proving that they, like the wicked tenants, would reject the Son.

Being Kind in the Face of Rejection

One of the hardest moments in life is to offer goodness and be met with rejection. Jesus, the very Son of God, experienced this and not just from his enemies but even from his own people.

Kindness is not always well received. Sometimes, when we do the loving thing, we are misunderstood, ignored, or even treated badly. Jesus shows us that rejection does not define our worth. He remained faithful to the Father’s mission despite being rejected. Through his sacrifice, he became the cornerstone of our faith.

This parable invites us to ask:
How do I respond when my efforts of kindness are rejected?
Do I allow it to make me bitter, or do I continue to love as Christ did?
It is a difficult challenge to answer.

Reflect

Imagine a cornerstone, a stone that was once discarded, now holding up an entire building. This is Jesus. This is also each one of us when we remain faithful despite setbacks.

In your life, where do you feel rejected or unappreciated? Offer that pain to Jesus. Ask him to help you stay commited to love, trusting that rejection can become something beautiful in God’s hands.

Rewards in Heaven

St. John Vianney (1786–1859), known as the Curé of Ars, was a humble French priest who spent hours in the confessional, offering kindness, mercy, and counsel to thousands of people. He faced rejection and opposition, even from fellow priests who doubted his abilities. He often preached that Christians should do acts of kindness, charity, and service without looking for recognition. He told people that even if their good works went unnoticed or were met with rejection, God sees everything and their true reward is in heaven.

He said, "Do not be troubled if you do not receive a reward for your good deeds on earth; continue to do good, placing your hope in heaven."

St. John Vianney remained commited to his mission in bringing people to Jesus, showing that true love and kindness are not about recognition but about faithfulness to God. His patience and humility made him a spiritual cornerstone for many souls.

Pray

Lord Jesus, you were rejected, yet you became the foundation of salvation. Teach us to be kind even when we are not met with kindness. When our love is ignored or our good deeds go unnoticed, give us the strength to remain faithful. May we build our lives on you, the true cornerstone, trusting that in your hands, no act of kindness is ever wasted. Amen.