Click here for today’s Scripture readings.
Wis 12:13, 16-19
Rom 8:26-27
Mt 13:24-33
For the next two Sundays we enter the world of Matthew’s parables. Daniel Harrington in his The Gospel of Matthew (Sacra Pagina Series) discusses Chapter 13 of Matthew’s Gospel in the context of Romans Chapters 9 to 11. In Romans Paul grapples with the mystery of Jesus’ rejection by Israel. Both Paul’s long reflection and Matthew’s parables turn up surprises and lead to further questions. Paul sums up his thoughts, not with logical conclusions but with wonder: “How deep are the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God (Rom 11:33)!” and “Who has known the mind of the Lord (11:34)?” Still he has affirmed that in the end “all Israel will be saved (11:26)” “God’s gifts and call are irrevocable. (11:29)”
For Matthew’s community the great question is: How come some of the elect have not followed Jesus as we have? Chapter 13 uses a variety of images to explore this reality. We meet a farmer sowing seed, a treasure hunter, fishermen with a dragnet, a woman baking bread, a flourishing mustard plant. Yet Matthew tells us that Jesus’ hearers did not understand his stories. They looked but did not see. They listened but did not hear or understand. As we read Chapter 13, we hear and see, we follow the Word of the Kingdom of God, but we do not understand the rejection and division. In one parable we stand before a field of grain where an enemy has sown weeds. What a mess! Weeds and grain are working against each other. What do we do?
Like Paul, Matthew is ultimately positive. Although we do not see or understand, God is at work for good. The Kingdom is a mustard seed, a bit of yeast. Believe in its wondrous promise and surpassing value. It has not yet come in its fullness. Be very patient. Allow the weeds and wheat to grow together. God, the prodigal sower is at work. Jesus is the gardener. “How deep are the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God!”
Father Bill Murphy, C.P. is the pastor of St. Joseph Monastery Passionist Parish in Baltimore, Maryland.
Related articles
- Come to Me (thepassionists.org)
- Do Not Let Your Hearts be Troubled (thepassionists.org)
