Rejected and despised

Then he began to speak to them in parables. ‘A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a pit for the wine press, and built a watch-tower; then he leased it to tenants and went to another country. When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants to collect from them his share of the produce of the vineyard. But they seized him, and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. And again he sent another slave to them; this one they beat over the head and insulted. Then he sent another, and that one they killed. And so it was with many others; some they beat, and others they killed. He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, “They will respect my son.” But those tenants said to one another, “This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.” So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this scripture: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;* this was the Lord’s doing, and it is amazing in our eyes”?’ Mark 12:1-12

Who hasn’t felt the sting of rejection? Whether in school, or employment or in love, we have all felt the pain of rejection. Even when we know we are smart enough, loved enough and worthy enough, we can blush with the shame of feeling rejected. As we walk this holy road during the week of Christ’s passion, we can overlook those around who are rejected and despised right here and now. We can be so busy that we forget to reach out to those aching to be accepted and let in. None of us are illegitimate, unworthy nor unwanted by God.

Precious Creator, you formed us with your hands

Softening us and molding us like a potter

Building us up and watering us as we grow

Into your precious vessels here on earth.

We have known the sting and pain of rejection

We know the ache of being on the outside always

And yet we often forget to look around us now

Opening our arms to those who are waiting also.

Make us those who turn and see your people 

Help us to never let busyness or profit

Keep us from sharing our days and our lives

With those who have suffered as Jesus once did. Amen.