the victims' victim
"The Stone Which the builders rejected has become the Keystone of the structure. It was the Lord Who did this and we find it marvelous to behold." —Matthew 21:42; Psalm 118:22
Jesus is "the Stone Which the builders rejected." Jesus was rejected at birth (Lk 2:7). He was rejected by his hometown (see Lk 4:29). He was rejected by the Pharisees, scribes, and priests. He was abandoned by His apostles and disciples, denied three times by Peter, and betrayed by Judas for thirty pieces of silver. At His crucifixion, He was rejected by Pontius Pilate, Herod, the soldiers executing Him, the criminals crucified with Him, and us by our sins against Him. Even after His death Jesus continues to be rejected, as we by our sins crucify Him and hold Him up to contempt (Heb 6:6). Jesus is the most rejected Person Who has ever walked the face of the earth. Jesus is the most divorced, abused Victim of injustice.
What does Jesus do after and in the midst of all this abuse? Jesus loves us unconditionally. He opens His heart to us. He turns the other cheek (Mt 5:39). Jesus hates sin because He loves sinners so much. Jesus, the most rejected One, never rejects us (Jn 6:37). Jesus forgives us and loves us infinitely forever. Let us love as He loves and enter into the mystery of God, Who is Love (see 1 Jn 4:8, 16).
Prayer: Father, teach me the forgiveness, mercy, justice, and vulnerability in Your love.
Promise: "He made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions." —Ps 105:21
Praise: Helen accepted God's grace and was able to forgive the man who raped her. Jesus has healed her of the trauma, and she can now radiate God's love.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape God's Love on audio AV 8A-1 or video V-8A.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, August 1, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 7, 2002