. . . [T]hey realized that he had addressed the parable to them.

So they left him and went away. // Mark 12:12

It’s me. I’m the one to whom Jesus addressed the parable in today’s Gospel.

You might have heard of the Ignatian style of imaginative prayer, in which you place yourself in a Bible scene. Maybe you observe as a bystander, somewhat removed from the action. Or perhaps you imagine yourself in the shoes of a key figure, among the disciples and friends of Jesus.

Lately, the Holy Spirit has prompted me to imagine that I am one of the antagonists in the story.

Ouch. I much prefer relating to one of the women like Martha or the woman at the well. 

Today I’m stuck as a scribe. Scribes studied the Scriptures, interpreted them, and taught how to apply God’s law to daily life. 

They knew the passage Jesus referenced, about the stone that the builders rejected becoming the cornerstone (see Psalm 118:22-23). I, too, have a solid knowledge of the Scriptures.

I like to think of myself as a woman who stays with Jesus, keeping Him close to my heart.

Every day the Lord speaks to me, and He also does to you. Most days I spend time reading Scripture, at least reading His word in the daily Mass readings. 

But the hard truth is that sometimes, I’m just like the scribes who turn away, avoiding Jesus rather than turning towards Him to build my life upon Him.

I’ll start my day with prayer and Scripture, often gleaning a nugget of consolation or depth of understanding I didn’t have before. No sooner have I blown out my prayer candle, the moment of consolation fades. I leave the Lord alone, forgetting His word and failing to act upon whatever He placed on my heart. I allow the daily demands of my routine to drown out the Lord, even after I experienced Jesus speaking to me in my heart.

Lord, save me from wandering away from You, especially when You’ve spoken a word to me. Help me rebuild my life upon You, the cornerstone.