Lent '09 - Day 18: Getting crushed and generosity

Two disjoint things today:

1. Jesus asks: "what is the meaning of that which is is written: 'The stone the builders rejected has becomes the cornerstore.' Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but anyone on whom it falls will be crushed" (Luke 20:17-18). It would be important to understand the underlying Greek before reading too much into this passage, but it seems to suggest that all are going to encounter the cornerstone. Those who surrender to it (i.e. fall on it) are broken to pieces. Being dismantled is key if we are to be rebuilt. Christ is a dismantler so that reconstruction can occur. Being broken by the stone is not a pleasant process, but if we reject it, we will find it dropping on top of us, only to be crushed. It seems like rebuilding doesn't occur from a crushed state.
2. In reading about the widow's in Luke 21:1-4 who gave all that she had to live on, I was reminded of a friend we've made here. She is facing eviction and utility bill troubles, but she almost without fail brings extra food in for me everyday to enjoy at lunch. Part of me feels bad to take from her when I can provide for myself. That said, I see a generosity in her that I just don't want to stifle. As Luke reveals, generosity is critical component in the Kingdom. I won't want to hinder that beauty within her. Instead, I take it as an encouragement to be lead and do likewise.