Take a moment today to pick up a stone, not to hurl at somebody, but to serve as a focal point for prayer. Think about the stones we have hurled at others: Stones of criticism, of ridicule, of cynicism. Recognize the stones we place in the road that become obstacles and dangers to others: Stones of greed, of bigotry, of injustice. Feel the weight of the stones that wear us down, that block our way, that seal us in tombs of our own making. This Lent, may we transform these rocks into foundation stones of God’s kingdom of justice and mercy.