Dear Friend,
Jesus instructed His disciples to proclaim, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 10:7) To explain to the crowds what is the kingdom of heaven, He gave them three parables.
Please read to your family the Gospel for this Sunday according to Matthew 13:24-43, and discuss with them these parables one by one.
The Parable of the Weeds among the Wheat (v.24-30) -- Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is like a field with both wheat and weeds growing in it. He does not want the weeds uprooted but given a chance to prove itself until harvest (as some weeds might turn out to be wheat). Then the harvest shall be collected with the wheat to be placed into the barn while the weeds for burning.
What does Jesus mean by this parable?
There will be both "wheat" and "weeds" in the Church -- those who would bear good fruit and those who would not. Everyone has this chance to develop one’s self to the eyes of God. A loving Father that He is, His grace is abundant as the sun shines and the rain falls for everyone. The question is how open each one is to that grace.
The disciples might have recalled what Jesus had earlier said to them, "You have heard it said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust." (Matthew 5:43-45). One’s love could turn a "weed" into "wheat" and achieve the purpose of the Lord.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed (v.31-32) -- In this parable, Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed. Although it is the smallest of all seeds, but when full-grown, it becomes the largest of plants where ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’
What does Jesus mean by this parable?
The building of the Church begins modestly, small and slowly. Hence, a lot of patience and nurturing are needed for the Church to grow. The ‘birds’ signify a happy occasion when the kingdom comes to everyone.
The Parable of the Yeast (v.33) -- Here, Jesus likened the kingdom of heaven to a yeast that a woman took to leaven the batch of wheat flour.
What does Jesus mean by this parable?
A disciple starts building the Church in himself first and ‘leavens’ others through his witnessing.
Meditation ~
Am I wheat or a weed? Am I determined to be a "wheat" and to be open to God’s grace?
I hear Jesus telling me, "Do not be afraid. All it takes is a single step to start the journey."
I have to remember to allow the kingdom of heaven to grow in me that God’s love be felt through me.
Contemplation ~
Imagine yourself standing beside the disciples as Jesus teaches His disciples. Listen to His words and let them linger in your ears. All is grace.
"Whoever has ears ought to hear."
Family Response ~
Share your reflections and support each other make a commitment to become a "wheat" in the kingdom of heaven.
Joe & Charito
THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA'S
ONLINE RESOURCE FOR FAMILY MINISTRIES
www.simbahayan.org
servants@simbahayan.org
|