Built upon the Living Stone

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.”

This is how our Lord begins in the Gospel. And if we are honest, this phrase already reveals something about us. Because our hearts are troubled.

We are troubled when the Church appears divided, as in the Acts of the Apostles: complaints, neglect, tension between groups. We are troubled when we feel overlooked, unheard, or burdened by responsibilities that seem too heavy. We are troubled when suffering comes, when death draws near, when the future is uncertain. We too can become consumed by what is not working, by what seems unfair to us, by what others do or fail to do. We too can lose sight of what holds everything together. Even our works can become trapped in pride, comparison, or silent frustration.

And even more deeply, we are troubled because we know our own hearts. We are not as loving as we should be. We do not trust God as we should. We cling to control, comfort, and our supposed righteousness. Even in the Church, we turn our works into status and vocation into competition. We Christians are called to be witnesses of the living Word that has been placed into our hands and on our tongues, and yet we worry about our image. Am I politically correct if I say this or that? What will my relationship with another person be like if I call out their sin? Will I be considered old-fashioned if I follow the teachings of the Bible regarding going to church, honoring my parents, or not committing adultery, and so on? The list could continue endlessly.

It is the Law that speaks. It reveals not only that the world is corrupted, but that we ourselves are part of the problem. Like the murmuring in Acts, our sin disrupts the unity God desires. Like stones unfit for construction, we do not naturally fit into the holy structure God is building. God brought Israel out of Egypt to make them into a great nation, showed great signs and wonders, and yet, because of their grumbling and sin, He did not allow that generation to enter the promised land.

And the Law goes even further.

Saint Peter tells us Christians today that Christ is a “stone of stumbling.” And that is exactly what He becomes for sinners. For He does not come as a teacher to improve us, but as a Savior to replace our false foundations. He exposes every other thing we trust in—our works, our identity, even our religious activity—and shows that none of it can stand before God.

Left to ourselves, we do not build the Church. We shatter it. We do not draw near to God. We turn away from Him. We do not find the way to the Father. And this is why Jesus says: “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me.” This is not merely guidance; it is a verdict. There is no other way. Which means: if Christ is not given to you, you are lost.

And then comes that quiet but powerful phrase: “The Word of God continued to increase.” This is the center. Not perfect harmony. Not flawless structure. But the living Word at work among imperfect people. And even Stephen, one of those called to serve, becomes more than a caretaker: he becomes a witness. Full of grace and power, he speaks, bears witness, and remains steadfast. And opposition rises against him. The pattern is already there: whoever serves Christ will also share in His rejection.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me,” says Jesus. Jesus does not speak these words to people who have everything under control. He speaks them to confused, fearful disciples who are on the verge of abandoning Him. And yet He comforts them. Why? Because He is going to the Father, not to leave them behind, but to prepare a place for them. And the way He prepares that place is not by building rooms in heaven with His hands, but by going to the cross with His body.

There, the Living Stone is rejected. There, He is cast aside, struck down, and crucified. And in that rejection, He bears your sin. In that death, He carries your guilt. In that abandonment, He opens the way to the Father.

When He says, “I am the way,” He means: “I am your way, because I have taken your place.” And then… He rises again. The rejected stone becomes the cornerstone. And now, Peter says, you too—you—are being built into something new: “you yourselves are being built up as a spiritual house, a holy priesthood…” Notice the words “are being built.” This is not your work. This is God’s work.

Through His Word, through Baptism, through the Gospel, He takes sinners—broken and unworthy—and places them upon Christ. And on this foundation, He builds His Church. Not a building of stone, but a people. Not a people defined by failure, but by mercy. “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession.” Not because you earned it. Not because you proved yourselves. But because: “Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

This is the Gospel. And this Gospel reshapes everything. In Acts 6, the Church is not falling apart; it is being formed. Yes, there is complaint. Yes, there is weakness. But the apostles do not abandon the Word. They cling to it firmly. “It is not right that we should give up preaching the Word of God to serve tables.” It may sound harsh, but it is actually mercy. Because the Church is not built merely on good organization, nor merely on acts of service. Rather, it is built on the Word of Christ.

So what do they do? They appoint others to serve. Not to create hierarchies, but to ensure that the Gospel continues to be preached and that love continues to be shown.

And what happens? “The Word of God continued to increase.” This is always the center. The Word. Because through that Word, Christ Himself is present: calling, forgiving, building. Even Stephen, one of those chosen to serve, becomes a witness unto death. Full of grace and power, he proclaims Christ and for this he is opposed. The same pattern repeats itself: the stone is rejected… and yet, through that rejection, God is at work.

So what does this mean for you? It means this: your standing before God does not depend on how well you manage to keep your life together, how strong your faith feels, or how successful the Church appears to be. Your standing rests on Christ alone. He is your way. He is your refuge. He is your cornerstone. And because of Him, your troubled heart has an answer. Not in yourself, but in Him.

And now, being built upon Him, you also are sent out. Jesus says: “Whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do.” Not in order to earn salvation, but because salvation has already been given. You are free to serve. Free to love. Free to bear burdens. Free to be rejected. Free even to suffer. Because your future is secure. “I go to prepare a place for you… I will come again and take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

This is your hope. Therefore, when your heart is troubled, do not look within yourself, but to Christ. When the Church seems weak, do not trust in human strength, but in the Word. When you feel unworthy, remember: you are a living stone, placed by God Himself. And the building will stand firm. Because it is built upon Christ.

So are you ready to be rejected?

In the name of Jesus. Amen.