From the parable of weeds and the wheat we are offered this wisdom, namely James repudiates elitism, the human community is a mixed bag of good and bad, judgement belongs to God which will come at end of time, until then there is still the opportunity for change and growth in our lives. ~ Fr. Matt
Jesus was fond of using parables with agricultural imagery. The sowing of seed on various types of land is one of his favorites. It is the only one that he actually explains. The seed is the “word of the kingdom” and the soil is likened to those who hear the word. Sometimes the word takes root in our lives and sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes it lasts for only a short while and sometimes it flourishes and produces a harvest of good works. The latter reality is always our task; the word of God shapes our discipleship and brings life to the world.
In the Hebrew mind the spoken word is more than the enunciation of an idea. Spoken words are dynamic entities needed to be realized in space and time. Words cannot be revoked. If the human word is so powerful imagine the utterances of God for our present and future. ~ Fr. Matt
Sound bites and slogans are with us again during a national political year. We have to remember that running the country isn’t built on a phrase. One may retort that the church and our faith use many buzzwords. Our belief system encourages us to dig deep into the meaning of God is Love, Christ is Light. Jesus is the heavenly Bread. Jesus invites us to find rest and refreshment in him that every burden and restlessness will be eased if we surrender to his power. ~ Fr. Matt
For Jesus “the little ones” are those who are not so full of their own wisdom that they are oblivious to the revelations of God. Like children, they are always open to learning and are amazed at what can help them to grow in understanding the world around them. These are the people that Jesus invites to hear his world and to come to know Father. Even when they might find that difficult, he assures them, and us, that his “burden is light.” In other words, he is always there to help us, to walk with us, and to share our journey.
In the Old Testament to be a holy man of God did not signify a capacity for mystical powers. The holy man carried the word of God which is the truth. Truth not in sense of catechism or doctrine but truth regarding how it effects our personal story on earth. ~ Fr. Matt ~
At first glance, today’s reading seems a little harsh. Jesus seems to be saying that we should set aside love of parents and siblings or else we are not worthy of his love for us. The key word is more. Jesus exhorts us to place our love for him above all others, but not instead of others. In fact, when we read the Gospel carefully we discover that we come to love the Lord through others, and we love others because of the Lord. It is an integrated love affair that we have with the Lord; it is a wonderful grace that we cannot live without!
It seems to be part of human nature to fear the unknown. As a child, it might have been darkness; as an adult it may be any unfamiliar event or task that is in our future. Jesus addresses the Twelve as a parent might console a child. He encourages his followers to put their trust in his word and in his friendship for them. He assures them that the Father’s love is as tender as that for a sparrow, and as deliberate as knowing the number of hairs on their head. Strange comparisons, but we are that precious in the sight of God.
The preacher is called to speak to the fears and concerns of the people. Birth, death, union, separation, love and hate are the major topics of life. No priest or minister can save anyone. He offers himself as a guide to a fearful people. This guidance is the first sign of hope. When shared, fear is no longer paralyzing. It mobilizes us to a way of liberation in God. ~ Fr. Matt
At every Eucharist we accept and commit to a Christlike relationship with all those who join us at the altar, and with all those we encounter in life. Our concern is different than the crowds who ask: “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” Our concern is how to give what we have and who we are to those who hunger and thirst for God. Our faith assures us that Jesus is the living bread for us; it is that same faith that sends us from Eucharist to be living loaves of love, bearers of justice an signs of compassion.