The Stone Rejected by the Builders Has Become the Cornerstone
On this 4th Sunday of Easter, Year B, we hear again from Ps. 118, the third time we sing this psalm in the four Sundays of the Easter Season so far. The refrain is quoted by Peter in his sermon in the first reading. Adapted from ceremonies at the Jerusalem Temple, this psalm was originally part of an entrance liturgy when the assembly would offer thanksgiving to God. The phrase about the rejected stone was part of an ancient proverb. In this context the community acknowledges that God has granted rescue and victory. Jesus, rejected, is the cornerstone to our faith. Let us never forget the goodness of God, and the goodness of God we receive through others.
We give thanks to you, for you are good,
and your steadfast love endures forever.
It is better to take refuge in you,
than to trust in people:
it is better to take refuge in you,
than to trust in our leaders.
I thank you for you have answered me,
you alone are my salvation.
The stone which the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
This is your doing, O God,
it is marvelous in our eyes.
Blessed are those who enter in your holy name.
You are my God, I thank you.
You are my God, I praise you.
We give thanks to you, for you are good,
and your steadfast love endures forever.
[verses adapted from People’s Companion to the Breviary © 1997 by the Carmelites of Indianapolis]