So let's talk about today's readings 10/27/09

[cheeto1]

October 27, 2009

Reading 1
Rom 8:18-25

Brothers and sisters:
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing
compared with the glory to be revealed for us.
For creation awaits with eager expectation
the revelation of the children of God;
for creation was made subject to futility,
not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it,
in hope that creation itself
would be set free from slavery to corruption
and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.
We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;
and not only that, but we ourselves,
who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,
we also groan within ourselves
as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
For in hope we were saved.
Now hope that sees for itself is not hope.
For who hopes for what one sees?
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.

Responsorial Psalm
Ps 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6

R. (3a) The Lord has done marvels for us.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.

Gospel
Lk 13:18-21

Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like?
To what can I compare it?
It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden.
When it was fully grown, it became a large bush
and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.” Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?
It is like yeast that a woman took
and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour
until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”

 

[cheeto1]

“For in hope we were saved.”
– And then He says we haven’t actually seen our salvation, but are waiting.
And so protestants and Catholics are free to continue arguing over it, when
it says right here, the answer is “both”.

“Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.”
– still wondering about the sowing of tears, and the sowing in tears. The poor man
Lazarus sowed nothing but his suffering, and he later rejoiced.

“What is the Kingdom of God like?..
It is like a mustard seed…"
–“coincidentally”, I had to buy mustard seeds today, for a recipe I’m making tonight.
They ARE small. They are tiny round balls, and very strong. I wonder how one day
someone saw these and said, “I think we can eat this”. I decided to plant one in
a little cup on the windowsill, and if this reading comes up again, I will say if it
grew.
It’s funny how yeast rises by itself, and plants grow by themselves. In everything,
it’s God who does most of the work. Yet there is something we have to do,
even though it’s small compared to what God does.

So what struck you about today’s readings? :bible1::twocents:

 

[carzupan]

It seems todays readings were about ‘faith’. It (our faith) may seem insignificant,and if we look with our eyes that are flesh we can’t see it.(Sundays gospel) but with the Lord, who is both author and finisher of our faith, He grows our small seed of faith and produces something wonderful.

 

[cheeto1]

I found out something else interesting about the mustard seed. Not only is it
round (no beginning, no end) instead of flat and pointy, it also clings. If you have
a spoon of mustard seeds, and dump it out, they want to cling onto the spoon,
like some kind of magnetism or something.
So maybe the kingdom of God wants to cling onto whatever it touches.

Carzupan, you are so right about our faith and what God does with it.
Do we provide a safe place for birds of the air? (outsiders to the faith)
Can anyone see how big their own “mustard tree” is?

 

[carzupan]

cheeto1
You said something that struck me-that is provinding a safe place for unbelievers.Thank you we (I) must check ourselves in this. But to provide a place for the birds of the air, that is another thing altogether. For as I remember the parable, the birds are the devil or demons who wish to steal our seed (faith) before it takes root. I think I have done that, to my own dismay, just this last week by entertaining serious doubts in regards to the sacraments- which prompted me to reply to this thread in the first place.
Thank you for responding,as we polish our brains by rubbing against others.

 

[Reuben_J]

It’s funny how yeast rises by itself, and plants grow by themselves. In everything,
it’s God who does most of the work. Yet there is something we have to do,
even though it’s small compared to what God does.

Yes, there is something for us to do - for such is Christianity. We thought Jesus could do it all alone and he could but that’s not how he ‘operates’. Even receiving his grace he needs our cooperation to receive it.

That’s why the first reading is relevant. We may suffer (while doing this) but it’s pale in comparison with the things to come St. Paul said. It’s quite frightening when the Bible tells us this - all will suffer even those with the firstfruits of the Holy Spirit. So that means us. Our consolation is there is much more to it that’s awaiting us. This is called hope. Christianity is a religion of hope and that what gets us going.

With the right understanding then we can face suffering in a pragmatic way so that we will not be defeated by it. This is called faith. When we have difficulty we must face it with faith in our hearts knowing that God will save us. Faith or the Kingdom of God is like a small mustard seed. Left alone it cannot do anything but once planted and died it will grow to a big tree where the birds and animals take shelter. Our faith can be like that and when we grow sufficiently we will become a blessing and refuge to others.

I thought the readings are another reminder for us to be steadfast and move on in our journey of faith. It is a great encouragement.

God bless.