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| “Mustard Tree in the Mist” photographer and date are unknown |
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.
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Commentary on Rom 8:18-25
“The glory that believers are destined to share with Christ far exceeds the sufferings of the present life. Paul considers the destiny of the created world to be linked with the future that belongs to the believers. As it shares in the penalty of corruption brought about by sin, so also will it share in the benefits of redemption and future glory that comprise the ultimate liberation of God's people (Romans 8:19-22).
"After patient endurance in steadfast expectation, the full harvest of the Spirit's presence will be realized. On earth believers enjoy the first fruits, i.e., the Spirit, as a guarantee of the total liberation of their bodies from the influence of the rebellious old self (Romans 8:23).” [4]
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
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.
“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.
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
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Commentary on Ps 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
Psalm 126 is a lament. In this short psalm, the singer rejoices at the return of Israel following the Diaspora, the conquering of Israel and its enslavement. In this hymn, the people remember the greatness of God as he restores their nation and brings them back to their own land ("Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves"). The sense is one of being overflowing with thanksgiving.
Gospel: Luke 13:18-21
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.”
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.”
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Commentary on Lk 13:18-21
These two parables describe the humble beginnings and the ultimate growth of the kingdom of God presented through Jesus’ ministry. While they have parallel passages in the gospels of St. Matthew and St. Mark (Matthew 13:31-33 and Mark 4:30-32), they are especially powerful for the Gentile population to which St. Luke ministers because of the inclusive nature of the stories.
Our Lord "with the parable of the mustard seed encourages them to have faith and shows them that the Gospel preaching will spread in spite of everything. The Lord's disciples were the weakest of men, but nevertheless, because of the great power that was in them, the Gospel has been spread to every part of the world” [5]
“The parable [of the mustard seed] is very brief, even though its magnetic lines shoot outward in many directions at once, creating a “tree” of meanings and associations that is a worthy doublet of the tree of the kingdom of which it speaks. The essential meaning is as plain as it is profound: that the authentic works of God always begin in a very small way; that the divine Presence and actions, therefore, are most likely to be either overlooked as nonexistent or scorned as insignificant; and, in conclusion, that for these reasons the person truly searching for God and his kingdom must have not only a great desire for them but also equally great patience in order to wait for the full and incontrovertible development of God’s work in our midst.” [6]
CCC: Lk 13:20-21 2660
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Reflection:
[1] The photograph is “Mustard Tree in the Mist” photographer and date are unknown.
[2] S.S. Commemoratio
[3] The readings are taken from the New American Bible, with the exception of the psalm and its response which were developed by the International Committee for English in Liturgy (ICEL). This republication is not authorized by USCCB and is for private use only.
[4] NAB footnote on Romans 8:18-25.
[5] St. John Chrysostom, "Hom. on St. Matthew," 46.
[6] Fire of Mercy Heart of the Word Volume II, Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis, Ignatius Press, San Francisco, CA, © 2003 p. 238.
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