Matthew 21:42

Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the scriptures: 'The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?"

We know the end of the story of Jesus and so find it easy to see the stunning blindness of the people Jesus is warning.  We know that the stone they are about to reject shall indeed become the cornerstone of the Church.  We know he is going to rise from the dead in less than a week.  We know that all the devices of his enemies shall be turned victory over death.  But they did not know that.  If we hear these words as they might be spoken by any other outnumbered and outgunned would-be Reformer who is about to get it in the neck from the Powers That Be, what amazes us is their courage.  Jesus knows that by speaking truth to power he is inviting crucifixion.  Yet he still does so.  It is stunningly courageous.  In a time where courage has been tested both at home and on the battlefield, let us not fail to ask Jesus for the grace to have his courage.  He knows what it is like to be afraid.  He also knows that God can turn the devices of the enemies to his glory.