This reading is rich with familiar verses and images that foreshadow Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The verse that speaks to me today is this one: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone (v. 22).” Jesus, who was rejected by the very ones he came to save, became their saving grace.
Many times, those parts of ourselves that we think of as a weakness have immense potential to be our greatest strength. Painful experiences you have suffered may help you to come alongside someone in a similar circumstance in a deeply empathetic way. Your lack of eloquence in speaking may put another at ease when speaking to you. Feeling as if you do not belong may help you to seek out and include those who feel the same way.
One of my favorite songs from the Faith We Sing hymnal is “The Summons.” In the fourth verse, we sing, “Will you love the ‘you’ you hide if I but call your name?” Jesus calls us to love all the parts of ourselves that feel unlovable because God can use them for the good.
In prayer, offer your weaknesses to God and ask God to redeem them for strength.