16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: July 23, 2023
Readings: Wisdom 12:13, 16–19; Psalm 86:5–6, 9–10, 15–16; Romans 8:26–27; Matthew 13:24–43
Many things teach us life lessons. Some of them might be sweet and others bitter. Our life is a parable. Often, it is a fairy tale. A parable is a short, simple story that typically uses everyday occurrences, events, or situations to convey a moral or spiritual lesson. Parables are often used in religious, philosophical, or ethical contexts to illustrate and communicate deeper truths or principles in a relatable and easily understandable manner. Our life consists of good and bad, beautiful and ugly, joy and sorrow, anxiety and hope, fear and courage and so forth. They represent various aspects of human nature or behaviour. On the 16th Sunday in ordinary time, the liturgical readings throw light on our human nature and how that sinful nature could be sanctified through the power of the Holy Spirit.
1. Everything begins with small and beautiful
Let us start with the Gospel of Matthew 13:24–43. Jesus gives us three powerful parables namely the wheat among the weeds, of the mustard seed and of the wheat flour. All these parables with rich agricultural imagery are to explain the Kingdom of God or the Reign of God very clearly and plainly. In God's reign, there is always the uncompromisable practice of "Dharma." The world is a mixture of good and evil, represented by the wheat and the weeds growing together. It teaches us that while evil exists, God allows both to coexist until the final judgment. We might feel broken when we experience deep hurts that flow from dishonor, disrespect, broken promises, corruption, sloth, bias, errors, incidents of cheating, lying, slander and calumny, etc. We, as followers of Christ, must learn to live in a world marred by sin while striving to be a positive influence and bearing good fruit. It is a call to exercise patience and trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mt 13:31-32) emphasizes the astonishing growth of the Kingdom of Heaven from seemingly insignificant beginnings, just like a tiny mustard seed growing into a large tree. It encourages us not to underestimate the impact of small acts of faith, kindness, humility, patience, gentleness and obedience. When we faithfully plant the seeds of God's love in our lives and in the lives of others, they can grow and flourish, making a significant impact on the world around us.
2. Expansion of God's Reign slow but steady
The Parable of the Wheat Flour with Yeast (Mt 13:33) represents the spreading influence of the Reign of God in the world. As yeast causes the dough to rise, the transformative power of God's Kingdom can change hearts and societies. It reminds us that our actions, attitudes, and words, even in the simplest forms, can have far-reaching effects. Our commitment to living out God's principles can influence those around us and contribute to the growth of God's Kingdom on Earth.
Jesus underscores through these small parables the mystery and complexity of God's Kingdom and its gradual growth. As followers of Jesus, we are called to play a part in its expansion by being faithful, patient, and humble. We must recognize that we live in a world where good and evil coexist, but God is ultimately in control and will bring about the final judgment. While we may not always see immediate results, the parables assure us that God's Reign is expanding steadily, and our efforts, no matter how small they may seem, can contribute to its expansion.
3. Holy Spirit contributes in our pursuit of the Reign of God
To cap all that we have been saying above, St Paul encourages us through his letter to Romans 8:26–27. He speaks about the powerful role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer and how the Spirit intercedes for us in prayer. Spirit helps us in our weaknesses and He aligns our prayers with God's will. When the Holy Spirit is with us, it is He who guides us and strengthens us in prayer. He makes known our deepest thoughts and desires to God. Our words may fail but Spirit communicates with God and us. In moments of profound emotional distress, anxiety or fear, the Spirit intercedes with wordless groans on our behalf. Our God understands the depths of our souls and can connect with our innermost struggles, even when we can't articulate them.
Paul assures us that the Holy Spirit doesn't merely act as an intermediary; rather, He aligns our prayers with God's will. As the Spirit guides our prayers, they become harmonious with the desires and purposes of God. This brings a sense of confidence and assurance, knowing that our prayers are not based solely on our limited understanding but are aligned with the perfect wisdom and plan of God. In other words, the Holy Spirit's involvement in our prayer life empowers us to be ardent followers of God's Reign that Jesus spoke about in Matthew's Gospel. In the midst of evil in the world, it is the Spirit who protects us and gives perseverance in our courage to live our life faithfully and fully. The Holy Spirit works within us, supports us, and guides us. Let us be conscious and be attentive to the workings of the Spirit.
Questions for self-reflection:
- Am I able to recognize the coexistence of good and evil in the world, and how does this understanding impact the way I interact with others?
- In what ways do I actively strive to be a positive influence and bear good fruit in my daily life, even amidst the presence of challenges and temptations?
- Can I identify instances where I might have underestimated the impact of small acts of faith, kindness, or obedience in my life or the lives of others?
Prayer based on Psalm 86
Gracious and loving God, we come before You, our Rock and Redeemer, with a heart full of gratitude and awe. We humbly seek Your presence and mercy in our lives. You are a compassionate and forgiving God, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Hear our prayer, O Lord, and attend to the cry of our hearts. Teach us Your ways, O Lord, that we may walk in Your truth. Fill us with Your wisdom, that we may discern the paths You have set before us. In moments of weakness, we look to You for comfort and assurance. Your grace is sufficient for us, and Your power is made perfect in our weakness.
May our lives be a living testimony of Your goodness and grace. We lift up our prayers for those who are suffering, lonely, or in need. Extend Your hand of healing and comfort them, so that they may experience Your love and peace. May our lives be a reflection of Your mercy and compassion, shining Your light into the world around us. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen
- Olvin Veigas, SJ
July 21, 2023
8 comments:
Warm greetings dear Fr. Olvin. I'm here to express my gratitude to you for days reflection that's full of life. From the title till the prayer based on Paslm 86, everything moves on the the days three readings. I could able to reflect well with your beautiful striking thoughts. You have given the apt heading for each para that leads to excellent flow of thoughts. Thank you for the free gifts of your inspiring reflections. Awaiting many more reflections of the same. Thank you.
God is compassionate and forgiving God, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. May we can follow His Footsteps. Thanks a lot and may God bless you
I read the reflections. It's very encouraging and gives hope, especially I liked the words "even our little thoughts and works in simplest form have far-reaching effects. I have experienced this in my work and the joy on the face of my patients. Thanks for the wonderful reflections.
Thank you so much father for the enriching reflection based on the Sunday readings and the role of Holy Spirit in our daily life.
Dear father Olvin, thank you so much for ur great reflections. I take at least three days to read and reflect upon your reflections and try to apply it in my practical life. I am very much touched by some of the phrases and thoughts of your reflections.
They are ,we might feel broken when we experience deep hurts that flow from dishonour, disrespect, broken promises, corruption, sloth, bias, errors, incidents of cheating.
It’s a call to excercise patience and trust in Gods ultimate justice and sovereignty
.
When we faithfully plant the seeds of Gods love in our lives and in the lives of others, they can grow and flourish.
The transformative power of Gods kingdom can change hearts and societies.
Our commitment to living out Gods principles can influence those around us.
As followers of Jesus Christ we are called to play a part in its expansion by being faithful, patient and humble.
Our God understands the depths of our soul.
The Holy Spirit works within us.
Thank you dear fr. For your inspiring thoughts, yes I appreciate your love for the word of God& sharing ur reflections with us
Very inspiring & encouraging words. Thank you so much
Beautiful reflections fr! Thank you so much.
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