October 29, 2013

Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 480
Reading 1 ROM 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.

In this life, we suffer (John 16:33).   But if we persevere in suffering and in good works, we will inherit the glory of our Lord in the next (Romans 8:17).

For creation awaits with eager expectation
the revelation of the children of God;

Creation awaits the New Creation in heaven where the Elect will reign (Rev 21:2).

for creation was made subject to futility,

I think this occurred when Lucifer and his cohorts fell from heaven (Rev 12:8-10).

not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it,

This subjection is apparently part of God's plan.  

in hope that creation itself

Why the word "hope" is here used, I don't understand.  The only thing I can bigger is that our free will could have changed the outcome of God's plan so that creation would never have been set free from Satan's rule.

would be set free from slavery to corruption
and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.

Thanks be to God that Christ has come and set us free from the power of death.

We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;

What St. Paul is saying is that the entire world is suffering in anticipation of the New Birth of the creation into when all will be reborn and be new again (2 Pet 3:7).

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.

And all of us, who are born again of the Spirit of God, groan with anticipation of the resurrection of our bodies from the dead (Rev 20:5).

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.

Therefore, we hope for the mercy of God which has saved us and will save us if we endure in well doing til the end (Rom 2:7).

Responsorial Psalm PS 126:1B-2AB, 2CD-3, 4-5, 6

R. (3a) The Lord has done marvels for us.
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.

R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
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.

R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.

R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.

In this world, we will suffer.  But be strong and courageous, follow after righteousness and you will receive your reward (Rom 2:13).

Gospel 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 man took and planted in the garden.

A mustard seed is very small.  But a mustard plant is almost the size of a tree.

When it was fully grown, it became a large bush
and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.”

It is so big that birds can dwell within 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.”

The Kingdom of God, Jesus said, is like the yeast which multiplies in dough and makes it grow bigger.

Interestingly, I had a discussion with a fellow who said that both the birds and the yeast in these short parables are symbols of sinners.  He interpreted these verses as meaning that the Kingdom of God is sinful.  Which makes no sense.  Jesus was not divided against Himself.  The Kingdom of God is His Kingdom and He would not describe it as being in Satan's control.  That is what would happen if all the people in the Kingdom of God were sinful. 

However, if the birds represent sinners and the yeast also.  Then, it is because Jesus came to call sinners to repentance (Matt 9:13; Mark 2:17).