Chances are that you have been rejected at some point in your life. It’s not a fun thing to think about, because rejection often leads to wounds and pain; but, I want to challenge you, in this moment, to reflect on a time you were rejected. Whether it was recently, or a long time ago, from a specific person, or a group, go back to that feeling and see what it brings up in you. What emotions are stirred up?

Whatever you are feeling, be it anger, sadness, anxiety, loneliness, or pain, Jesus felt too. He was rejected and killed, the son and the servants from today’s Gospel were rejected and killed, and Joseph in the First Reading was rejected by his own brothers and almost killed. Doesn’t bode very well for us, does it?

It seems that way at first certainly, but the Gospel goes on to remind us that the very stone that was rejected became the cornerstone. The cornerstone! The stone that held the foundation and supported everything else was first rejected.

During the Lenten season we are called to focus on Jesus’ suffering and find a way to unite ourselves to that. It means entering into our own suffering so that Jesus can come in and heal us through it. He has suffered alongside us, he knows what we go through, and he wants us to know that he gets it. He fully sympathizes with our struggles.

More than that, he reminds us of a very important truth: suffering is important, and unavoidable, but there is always the hope of Easter. You need both the suffering and the hope of rebirth and Easter joy. Today, let God enter into that suffering with you, but do not lose hope. God has wonderful things planned; trust in that.

Brittany Trexler graduated from Texas A&M University in May of 2016 with a degree in Education. She currently works at The Pines Catholic Camp as a member of the Missionary staff where it is her job to tell kids about Jesus’ great love for them. Brittany loves what she does there, but is hoping to get a teaching job back in College Station for the upcoming school year.

The Pines Catholic Camp, located in the beautiful piney woods of East Texas, has both summer camp and year round programming for students 2nd to 12th grade. Check out the website for information on booking a year round retreat or for summer camp 2017. God is doing big things out at The Pines, and we would love for you and your family to be a part of it!

Love uCATHOLIC?
Get our inspiring content delivered to your inbox every morning - FREE!

4 COMMENTS

  1. st patrick mama mary jesus and all the angels and saintts intercede for my family espcially grandson and niece, thanks for answered prayers jesus knows it all. ammen aen and amen.

  2. st cyril and all the angels and saints and jesus and mmama mary intercede for grandson and niece and all those who have no one to pray for them.give them that peace and comfort and healing and protection from evil spirits that roam the earth seeking their bodies and souls. thanks for answered prayers. amen amen and amen.

  3. “Chances are that you have been rejected at some point in your life.” ….. suffering but there is always the hope… help us to see the triumph of Easter.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here