Romans 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 labour pains even until now;
and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
For in hope we were saved.
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 labour pains even until now;
and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits 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.
Ps 126(125):1-2ab.2cd-3.4-5.6.
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.
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.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
Like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears
Shall reap rejoicing.
Although they go forth weeping,
Carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
Carrying their sheaves.
We were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
And our tongue with rejoicing.
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.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
Like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears
Shall reap rejoicing.
Although they go forth weeping,
Carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
Carrying their sheaves.
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 person 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."
It is like a mustard seed that a person 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."
Commentary of the day:
The kingdom of God is amongst you... it starts
small and expands with the momentum of other Christians’ generosity. The first
thing the pagans noticed about the followers of Jesus was their charity, their
generosity to those less fortunate. As they often remarked in admiration, “See
how those Christians love one another!”
They would outdo one another in kindness and care
for the poor.
But what do we see today? Are everyday Catholics so
evident in their outreach and care for the poor. I dont see it. I see the
organisations like St Vincent De Paul consisting of members who are all
retired. Elderly people who have spare time giving a bit of it as catechists or
volunteers. But not the strong, virile and busy young members of the Church.
(I would propose at this point that my parish in
Glenmore Park was the distinct contrast to the majority of Catholic parishes.
Our welfare teams were a majority of younger people under fifty and our
catechists were mostly high school girls and university students.
Our Lord wants us to practice our Christianity now,
not when we are free, or when we have spare time or are finished our careers.
Hear what
Saint John Chrysostom who lived from 345-407AD had to say. He was a priest at Antioch then became Bishop of Constantinople. He has been declared posthumously a Doctor of the Church for his insights into the spiritual life. This is an extract of his writing, “Homilies on the Acts of the apostles”:
Saint John Chrysostom who lived from 345-407AD had to say. He was a priest at Antioch then became Bishop of Constantinople. He has been declared posthumously a Doctor of the Church for his insights into the spiritual life. This is an extract of his writing, “Homilies on the Acts of the apostles”:
“Is there anything more ridiculous than a Christian
who couldn't care less about other people? Don't use your poverty as an excuse.
The widow who put two small coins in the Temple coffer (Mk 12,42) would rise up
against you; Peter, too, who said to the lame man: “Gold or silver have I none”
(Acts 3,6) and Paul, who was so poor he often went hungry.
Neither protest your social condition, for the
apostles were also humble men of low degree. Don't plead your ignorance for
they were unlettered. Even if you were a slave or a fugitive you would always
be able to do what lies in your power.
Onesimus, whose praises Paul sang, was such a one (see
the letter to Philemon and Col 4,9).
Would you claim weak health? Timothy had it too.
Yes, whoever we are, anyone at all can be of
service to his neighbour if he genuinely wants to do what he can.
Do you notice how the trees in the forest are flourishing, handsome, rising upwards? Nevertheless, we prefer fruit trees in our gardens or olive trees covered with fruit. Handsome, sterile trees..., such are they who are only thinking of their own interests...
If leaven doesn't cause the dough to rise then it isn't a proper raising agent. If perfume doesn't give off scent to those who are approaching, can we still call it a perfume? So don't say it's impossible to have a good influence on others because, if you are a real Christian, it's impossible that nothing should happen, this is part of the very essence of being a Christian...
Do you notice how the trees in the forest are flourishing, handsome, rising upwards? Nevertheless, we prefer fruit trees in our gardens or olive trees covered with fruit. Handsome, sterile trees..., such are they who are only thinking of their own interests...
If leaven doesn't cause the dough to rise then it isn't a proper raising agent. If perfume doesn't give off scent to those who are approaching, can we still call it a perfume? So don't say it's impossible to have a good influence on others because, if you are a real Christian, it's impossible that nothing should happen, this is part of the very essence of being a Christian...
It would be as contradictory to say that a Christian
cannot be of any use to his neighbour as to deny the sun its ability to give
light and heat. “
(end of quote)
So challenge yourself today. What kind of Christian are you?
What outreach do you do? What function are you serving in Jesus’ church? Or are
you spending yourself entirely on your family, your cultural group, yourself?
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