Living Stones

The readings this Sunday invite us to reflect on how God builds the Church through ordinary people. In the first reading (Acts 6:1-7), the early Christian community faces a practical problem. Some widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. Rather than ignoring the concern, the apostles appoint others to serve so that the needs of the community are met while they themselves remain devoted to prayer and preaching the Word. This moment reminds us that the Church grows when everyone uses their gifts in service to others.

The second reading (1Pt 2:4-9) deepens this message by reminding us that Christ is the cornerstone. St. Peter calls Jesus the “living stone,” rejected by many yet chosen and precious to God. As believers, we too become “living stones,” built into a spiritual house. Our lives are not isolated acts of faith. Instead, each of us becomes part of something larger. When we live faithfully, we help build a community where God’s presence can be experienced.

In the Gospel (Jn 14:1-12), Jesus speaks words meant to calm troubled hearts. He tells his disciples not to be afraid. He is preparing a place for them in the Father’s house. When Thomas wonders how they can know the way, Jesus gives one of the most profound statements in Scripture: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” Faith is not simply about knowing ideas or following rules. It is about knowing the person of Jesus Christ.

Together these readings remind us that faith is both personal and communal. Christ is the foundation, but each of us is called to participate in the building of God’s kingdom.

Faith Sharing Questions

1.To be a living stone means allowing God to shape your life so that you help build the Church in the world. Each believer has a place in that structure. In what ways might God be inviting you now to take your place as a “living stone” in your family, parish, or community?

2.When you hear Jesus say there are many dwelling places in his Father’s house, what do you imagine?

3.In the Gospel Jesus says, “whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” What does this reveal to you about who God is?