in love with the most rejected person
"The Stone Which the builders rejected has become the Keystone of the structure. It was the Lord Who did this and we find it marvelous to behold." —Matthew 21:42; Psalm 118:22
Think of the person whom you love the most. Possibly this is your spouse, mother, father, child, brother, sister, or friend. You love this person so much that you would even give up your life for him or her. Now imagine seeing this person, whom you love so much, being cruelly rejected. This would break your heart, and you would try to console the one you love by professing your love for him or her.
This situation which I have just described is the circumstance in which Christians live. We disciples of Jesus love Jesus with all our hearts (see Mt 22:37). He is the Joy and Love of our lives. We love Him more than we love anyone else. We love Him more than life. Jesus, our Love and Life, is the most rejected Person Who has ever lived. By our sins, He is cruelly rejected millions of times each day. In a certain way, Jesus continues to be crucified and held up to contempt (Heb 6:6). He continues to be "the Stone Which the builders rejected" (Mt 21:42).
Responding in love to the continually rejected Jesus, let us reject Satan, his works, and promises rather than reject Jesus. Let us love Jesus so much that we are rejected with Him.
Prayer: Father, send the Holy Spirit to lead me to renew my baptismal promises more deeply than ever before.
Promise: "Dismiss all anxiety from your minds. Present your needs to God in every form of prayer and in petitions full of gratitude." —Phil 4:6
Praise: Praise Jesus, rejected, crucified, and risen Lord God!
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Developing a Deep, Personal Relationship with Jesus on audio AV 52-1 or video V-52.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Richard L. Klug, April 10, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 18, 2002