Parables

Readings for Monday July 27, 2009

First Reading: Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 106
Gospel: Matthew 13:31-35


“The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.” (Matt 13:31-32)

In today's gospel we hear more parables from Christ. Do you think the people listening to Him just kept scratching their heads thinking, "what is he talking about?" I am sure most people were confused as they came to see the messiah, not to get botany or cooking lessons. But as is typical, God is woven into the lessons, not always the most clearly, but He is in there. These parables say something very important about how God works in our lives: It may not always seem apparent, but He is there. Many times we are unaware of the fact that God is there, or that He is working in our lives, we may be scratching our own heads thinking, "where is He" or "what is He doing?" His ways are not always the most clear to us, but we must remember that He knows exactly what He is doing, and even though we may not understand what is going on, we must still follow and trust.

The parables today discuss the growth of the smallest of seeds and the leavening of bread. May we always remember these parables which tell us where our homes truly are and how we must go out and impact this world for the good.

May Christ continue to strengthen us and guide us on this journey.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, strengthen us and give us courage to follow you in this world. Lord, you are our God, you love us and protect us like no other. Lord lead us home to you, for a life without you is no life at all. God, you are good all the time, forgive us the times when we turn from you. We pray for all of our priests and their ministries. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.