Rejection

The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done…  Matthew 21: 42

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​It’s in a mother’s nature to want people to like, enjoy and accept her children.  I never kissed my kids goodbye in the morning and sweetly said, “Bye honey, I hope you get rejected today, love ya!” Maybe I should have.  Even as adults we seek acceptance, we want to fit in and be liked by our peers, but we have to be cautious that those offering acceptance are also those who will lead us closer to Christ. 
Today is Ash Wednesday and here we are toe to toe with the season meant to change us!  Fr. Mark Toups issued a great challenge when he said, “this lent, if you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you always got”.  He challenges us to focus on what the Father would like to do for us this lent instead of getting caught up in what we’re doing for him.  He simply wants us to be still and clear away the things that stand between us.  A good way to shift our focus is Mother Olgas 7 Words, Lord, Empty Me, Fill Me, Use Me.  Another way we can use this lent to really change is to think about the Father and the world a little differently and be willing to risk a little rejection.

What would our earthly life be like if we lived each day realizing the acceptance of our Heavenly Father is the only nod of approval necessary?  Jesus’ message in this parable is crystal clear, live a life acceptable to God and you will bear great fruit; get tangled up in approval of man and you will most certainly lose your way.  Living as a light of Christ is not for sissies and it may cause us to be rejected by those who aren’t as committed to holiness but in that rejection, we are in good company and at that very moment we may be completely open to the work of Christ and become the cornerstone of something he’s building around us.    In quiet prayer ask God to reveal to your heart all those people you are seeking approval from.  What makes their approval important, and will it bring you closer to Christ and allow you to bear great fruit? Remember, rejection by the world can be exactly what leads us to joyful acceptance by the Father.

A Seed To Plant:  Take these words to prayer with you this week…Loving Father, help me to live each day seeking your approval.  Allow me to be a cornerstone in your good works even if it means being rejected.  Comfort me in my disappointment and strengthen me in my journey toward greater holiness. ​

Blessings on your day!