Throwing Stones

Friday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

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Gospel of John 10:31-42

The Jews picked up rocks to stone Jesus. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of these are you trying to stone me?” The Jews answered him,“We are not stoning you for a good work but for blasphemy. You, a man, are making yourself God.”

Have you ever felt like people were throwing stones at you?  Fellow co-workers are upset because you disagree with a specific proposal everybody else wants to implement.  A son or daughter is furious because he/she is grounded.  Maybe you're a sidewalk counselor at a local abortion clinic constantly cursed at and insulted for your pro-life witness......

Those pebbles, rocks, and even boulders hitting us from all directions don't feel so great.  They cause a great deal of bleeding and bruising not only physically but mentally. We feel helpless when we encounter dissension and hostility.  When it comes to our Catholic faith, defending church teachings may encourage more stone throwing, especially from others who disagree with our beliefs.  However, we must persevere in proclaiming the Gospel Truth.  Wear our steel armor!  This way the stones thrown at us will only dent the armor's metal and not deaden Christ's message.

I think of times when we stone ourselves becoming disillusioned with life.  We may think of ourselves as losers because we don't make a lot of money, own a big house, or work in a successful career.  Perhaps we have made very poor choices, allowing habits and addictions to take over our lives.  Why the urge to self-destruct?  Why fall into the belief that nobody can ever love us or heal us from our inner wombs?  Why bruise ourselves in ways that destroy our minds and bodies?  God doesn't want any of his precious children to throw stones at themselves or others.  He loves each and every one of us.  Yet, in our own self-absorption we fail to recognize this tremendous love.

The next time we feel like picking up a stone and throwing it at someone, or even ourselves, let us pray at the foot of the cross. Meditate on ways we can elevate our anger, resentment, bitterness, and dissension. Think of ways that we can avoid hostility.  Don't allow ourselves to become like stones where we refuse to compromise.  Don't allow our hearts to become fossilized to the point where won't listen to opinions contrary to our own.  Love one another and leave the stones on the ground!

-J.