Morning Prayer — The Rejected Stone

 


“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” (Psalm 118:22)

We hear this and immediately think of Jesus — the One dismissed by the religious gatekeepers, underestimated by the powerful, and yet chosen by God as the foundation of everything new. The early Christians understood this verse as a quiet prophecy fulfilled in Christ: the rejected One becoming the essential One.

But what does it mean for us today?

It means God builds differently than we do.

We tend to choose the stones that look impressive — the strong, the polished, the socially approved. We choose the parts of ourselves that seem presentable. We choose the people who seem useful. We choose the paths that look successful.

God, however, keeps reaching for the stone lying off to the side.

The overlooked person. The wounded part of our own story. The season we thought was wasted. The failure we hoped no one noticed. The part of life that felt like rejection rather than blessing.

And God says: This — precisely this — will be the cornerstone.

The Pharisees rejected Jesus because He didn’t fit their blueprint. But God was not building their kind of kingdom. God was building something deeper, wider, more human, more holy.

So today’s prayer is simple:

Lord, show me the stones I’ve rejected — in myself, in others, in my own history. Teach me not to discard what You intend to use. Make Christ the cornerstone of my life, and let Your surprising choices reshape my expectations. Amen.


Read more Morning Prayer posts: MSI Press Blog

Note about Morning Prayer: Each morning prayer post reflects on one phrase from the Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. which can be found in the iBreviary (a downloadable app), Universalis (website) or Divine Office (publication and website). Post may be assisted by AI in image generation and content (research and/or wording).


Morning Prayer posts inspired by Being Catholic in Troubled Times (Dennis Ortman)

Book Description:

These are times that try our souls. This book is addressed to all, not just Catholics, who search for deeper meaning in tough times. Our age is marked by division and alienation. We long for some message that will bring peace to our world and our hearts.

This book suggests that the Catholic faith can provide strength in these troubled times. The word "catholic" means "all-embracing, universal." Nothing is excluded in the catholic mind. The truth that sets us free can be found everywhere, especially in unexpected places. It is often hidden in plain sight. In our darkest moments, we find new light and life. When we are most despairing, a ray of hope shines through.



Dr. Dennis Ortman, former priest and current psychologist, is the author of Anger Anonymous, Anxiety Anonymous, Depression Anonymous, Being Catholic in Troubled Times, and Life, Liberty, and COVID-19.


For more posts by and about Dennis and his award-winning books, click HERE.



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