Homily: Thirtieth Tuesday of Ordinary Time

Thirtieth Tuesday of Ordinary Time (Lk. 13:18-21) “The Kingdom of God Will Grow.”

The images that Jesus uses to describe the Kingdom of God are pregnant with meaning. When we hear a sermon on this Gospel the preacher usually concentrates on the smallness of the mustard seed, the insignificance of it. The moral of the little parable it is said revolves around how important things can grow out of what seems insignificant.

But the meaning of these images can be broader than that. A mustard seed was considered a weed. It was not a noble plant or a desired one. No farmer would want a mustard plant growing in his field. But it was almost impossible to keep them out of a farm field. Each mustard plant had to be pulled out by hand.

Jesus also uses the image of leaven. Leaven was a bacterium that interacts with flour causing it to rise. Ancient people did not know why this happened. Leaven was considered unclean. On religious holidays it might be removed from the house. The powdery leaven seemed to have mysterious power. A little bit of it could have a dramatic effect when mixed with dough. It would rise.

Jesus seemed to be saying by his examples that the Kingdom would grow even when people tried to stop its progress. It would begin in unexpected places with unexpected agents, some of whom might seem sinful to the world.

We get a sense that if we cooperate in the Kingdom of Jesus that it will grow even faster in our world and in our lives. Jesus invites us to join him. The question is whether we will accept his invitation and take up his mission in the world.

Reflection:

1.    Did I know the mustard seed was a weed? How does this change my perspective about the Kingdom?

2.   Do I believe the Kingdom of God is an irresistible force in the world? Why or why not?

 Dear Parishioners,

           I have sad news to share. Suzie Buddie, my long-time administrative assistant died Sunday morning. This is a blow to us all. Please pray for her husband Dan and her whole family.

          The calling hours for Suzie will be this Friday from 3:30 until 7 p.m. at the St. Damien Center here at Sacred Heart church. Her funeral Mass will be on Saturday at 10 a.m. Everyone is invited to come and to pray for Suzie.

          May Our Lady of Sorrows pray for us at this difficult hour.

          Fr. Mark