Monday: 17th Week in Ordinary Time-C
I Reading: Exodus 32:15-24.30-34: This
people has committed a grave sin, making themselves a god of gold.
Gospel: Matthew 13:31-35: A mustard seed becomes a tree so that the birds of the air
shelter in its branches.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed:
The Growth and Greatness of Christianity, Mt 13:31-32
Jesus
is describing the growth and greatness
of His kingdom and of Christianity in this parable. He shows how it begins as
the smallest of seeds and grows into the greatest of movements. The message of
the parable is a powerful message to individual believers and congregations as
well as to Christianity as a whole. The seed of faith begins ever so small, but
it grows into the greatest of bushes as it nourishes itself day by day. Mature (grown
v.32) believers and congregations alike provide lodging for the people of a
turbulent world.
1.
The parable: Describes the kingdom (Christianity) (v.31)
2.
A mustard seed was planted (v.31)
a.
A man deliberately took and planted the seed
b.
Planted in his field
3.
The mustard seed grew and became the greatest of bushes (v.32)
a.
Was the smallest seed
b.
Grew into the greatest of bushes
c.
Result: Birds come and lodge in its branches
The Parable of the Leaven or
Yeast:
The Transforming Power of the Gospel, Mt 13: 33
There
are essentially two interpretations of this parable.
1.
Some say the leaven represents evil that penetrates the kingdom of God and His
church.
2.
Most say the yeast symbolizes the kingdom of God that penetrates and works
silently to transform people and society.
The Messiah’s Purpose for Speaking in Parables, Mt 13:34-35
See
outline and notes-Mt 13:10-17 for a full discussion of the “Messiah’s Reasons
for speaking in Parables.” The secret of
the gospel must be revealed (v.34-35). See
Eph 1:9-10.
1.
To reach the crowd
2.
To teach “these things” the Truth
3.
To fulfil scripture
4.
To reveal the mystery of the Gospel
Thought:
The Gospel is extremely powerful (1Cor 5:6; Gal 5:9).
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