The Sixteenth Week of Ordered Time

          God's blessings on you today and throughout the week. I hope that you are enjoying these beautiful summer days that we are gifted with.

         Try to imagine the context for today's gospel reading, a collection of short parables that would be given in answer to the question, "what is the kingdom of heaven?" And Jesus, the great storyteller, answered the question in parables. It is like a field where the farmer sowed good seed, and a thief came in the night who sowed weeds, potentially harming the good seed, stealing away nutrients. Both weeds and wheat grew together, but eventually they are separated for what they are. Until that time, the parable instructs us to live with all people with tolerance and patience. It is an instruction for the life of the community of believers. The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of seeds but burst forth from near invisibility to grandeur. Here it is also a symbol of embracing hospitality, for the seed grows large enough to provide shade, and support life within its branches. It is like yeast which when added to wheat increases the yield and makes a loaf of bread. The parallel is to society, where a small bit of leavening can have remarkable effects.

          All of these wonderful images of life, of growth, of greatness. At the bottom of each of these parables is the instruction that it is possible to see God alive and working in the most ordinary features of creation. In the final analysis, the kingdom of heaven is the truth that is greater than fear. It is the true refuge from anxiety.  It can be described in simple human terms, and is also the greatest contrast to the lives we create for ourselves absent faith in God.

          Jesus  says that he is announcing what has been hidden since the foundation of the world and this provides a break in the chain of parables and invites is to reflect on what has been said so far. It is telling that the disciples and not members of the crowds, ask Jesus for an explanation of his parables. He provides this with great clarity. Sometimes, when we think we are closest to the truth, we are the furthest away. We hear words, but not meaning. We see miracles, but cannot recognize them. And yet, we are always in the company of a great, patient teacher. 

           I hope you have a great week, filled with blessings and opportunities to hear and to see.  Peace be with you!

                    Philip, your waiter at the Eucharistic Table