Saint Patrick, Bishop (Optional Memorial)
The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. (Matthew 21:42)
Throughout salvation history, many “stones” have been rejected, only to become trusted and beloved “cornerstones” in their own right. We may think of figures like Moses, Esther, or Joseph. We may think of heroic saints like Patrick, whose feast day we celebrate today. And of course, we think of Jesus, the chief cornerstone of the Church.
But what about you? Have you ever thought of yourself as a cornerstone?
In today’s first reading, we see how Joseph’s brothers rejected him and sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:23-28). But Joseph’s humility and his willingness to rely on God allowed him to rise above his difficult situation and become the cornerstone to save his family and all of Egypt from famine.
Because he preached the gospel in a pagan land, St. Patrick was rejected and opposed by tribal chieftains in Ireland. But he relied on God, and so he was able to devote his life to joyfully spreading the good news. His humility and love for God helped Patrick to become a cornerstone for the Church in Ireland.
For Joseph and Patrick, it wasn’t the rejection that was crucial, but their humility and steadfastness. That’s what enabled God to turn them into cornerstones of faith and witnesses to the gospel.
Are you ready to become a cornerstone? Maybe you think that God can’t use you because you’re not good enough, smart enough, or rich enough. But you don’t need to be powerful or brave to serve God. You don’t need to be famous. You only need to be teachable and eager. God can use you—and he wants to! Just be faithful in little things, and he will give you opportunities to have more of an influence each day.
What little things can you do today to be a cornerstone? Maybe it’s showing kindness to your family, forgiving a friend who has slighted you, or showing charity to someone in need. Just set your mind on serving the Lord today, and watch for the small opportunities—and maybe even big ones—that he will send your way.
“Use me, Lord. Make me like you, faithful and steadfast.”
Psalm 105:16-21
Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13, 17-28
Daily Marriage Tip for March 17, 2017:
Legend has it that St. Patrick expressed the mystery of the Trinity through the symbol of the shamrock. Marriage is like that too – the unity of husband, wife, and God. Parenthood is another example of how 1 + 1 = 3. How counterintuitive but true our faith is!