30TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalter: Week 1 / (Green)
Ps 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
The Lord has done marvels for us.
1st Reading: Rom 8:18-25
I consider, that the suffering of our present life cannot be compared with the glory that will be revealed, and given to us. All creation is eagerly expecting the birth, in glory, of the children of God. For, if now, the created world was unable to attain its purpose, this did not come from itself, but from the one who subjected it. But it is not without hope; for even the created world, will be freed from this fate of death, and share the freedom and glory of the children of God.
We know, that the whole creation groans and suffers the pangs of birth. Not creation alone, but even ourselves; although the Spirit was given to us, as a foretaste of what we are to receive, we groan in our innermost being, eagerly awaiting the day, when God will give us full rights, and rescue our bodies as well.
In hope, we already have salvation. But, if we saw what we hoped for, there would no longer be hope: how can you hope for what is already seen? So, we hope for what we do not see, and we will receive it, through patient hope.
Gospel: Lk 13:18-21
And Jesus continued, ”What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? Imagine a person who has taken a mustard seed, and planted it in his garden. The seed has grown, and become like a small tree, so that the birds of the air shelter in its branches.”
And Jesus said again, ”What is the kingdom of God like? Imagine a woman who has taken yeast, and hidden it in three measures of flour, until it is all leavened.”
REFLECTION:
The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed which was planted in the garden. Even though there are oppositions it continues to grow. The emphasis here is on the ‘growth‘ which takes place irresistibly. This parable consoles the disciples who are doing their mission to proclaim the gospel even in the midst of persecutions. Trials, sufferings and difficulties cannot hinder the growth in number of those who are willing to enter God‘s kingdom. There are even numerous people who shed their blood for the sake of it. This is a concrete manifestation that persecutions neither lead believers to despair nor discourage them from continuing their mission. Rather than surrendering, they strive all the more to make this kingdom known to all the nations.
Another consoling word of Jesus is that ”the birds of the air shelter in its branches” which signifies people of diverse origins finding refuge in God‘s kingdom. Although, Jesus‘ opening of this kingdom to all, e.g. when he accepted the outcasts in meals, resulted to opposition of his opponents; nevertheless, many felt their belongingness to the heavenly family.
How can we contribute to the growth of God‘s kingdom during our times?
Daily Reflection
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Biblical Texts are taken from Christian Community Bible, Catholic Pastoral Edition (57th Edition) The New English Translation for the ROMAN MISSAL
With permission from the EPISCOPAL COMMISION ON LITURGY of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
Readings and Reflections
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