In the outer courts of the Temple at Jerusalem a high wall separated the Jews from the Gentiles, and any Gentile who ever trespassed could incur the death penalty. This is but one example of the enmity between the Jews and Gentiles. Yet, by His own death on a cross, Jesus was able to break down the barriers and bring these two factions into God's family. In this sense, the cross has been an instrument of reconciliation.

Christ is the cornerstone of a new edifice based on the teachings of the prophets and the apostles. The cornerstone which forms part of the corner or angle of a wall provides cohesion by stabilizing and joining two walls. The phrase 'through Christ the whole structure is being built' may refer to the action of building, that is to say, through every effort at living an edifying life - we with Christ contribute to the building up of the entire Church.

The Gospel calls for a readiness to build the Church. We respond to this call as servants, who are ready to move into action as soon as the wedding feast is over, eagerly awaiting the return of the Messiah. Waiting for the Messiah is to work for the building up of the entire Church.