Today’s readings invite us to reflect on faithful witness in the face of rejection. The first reading calls us to grow in grace, building our lives step by step: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, and love. This is not a passive journey, but an intentional shaping of our lives according to Christ. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the tenants who reject the servants and ultimately kill the son. It is a stark image of humanity’s resistance to God’s truth. Yet, even in rejection, God’s plan is not defeated. The stone rejected becomes the cornerstone. Saint Justin lived this reality. As a philosopher who sought truth, he found its fullness in Christ and did not hesitate to proclaim it, even at the cost of his life. Faith is not merely intellectual assent, but a lived commitment, even when it is difficult. We too are entrusted with God’s vineyard: our lives, our gifts, our calling. May we grow in virtue and courage, so that like Saint Justin, our lives may proclaim the truth that leads to life.

PRAYER: Abba Father, in you, I place my trust. Amen.