Breaking the Word

30^th Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 26^th October 2022 — Gospel: Lk 13,22-30

Seek God’s Hospitality

As Jesus moves on to the city of destiny, the growing sense of crisis prompts a question about the number who will be saved. Jesus urges his listeners to ask, not how many will be saved, but whether they themselves will be saved. He gives a warning not to miss the opportunity while it is still available. When an entrance is narrow and many are trying to go through, it is hard to get to the front right away. Or the image alters to gain an entry to a house. Do not wait till all is barred and locked up for the night. It will be of no use then standing outside knocking, because outward contact with the house owner does not save. Since the lodging will be filled up with others (like the Gentiles), who have entered before you. The hospitality of God is ample and generous. But it will not be available forever. Human being can exclude themselves from God’s salvation or His company, by not being prepared to accept His hospitality at the time When He offers.

30^th Week in Ord. Time, Tuesday – 25^th October 2022 — Gospel:    Lk 13,18-21

Shade and Nourishment

Through the parables of the mustard seed and yeast, Jesus shows that in spite of small and seemingly insignificant beginnings, the gospel will prevail. Like a small mustard seed that will grow into a sapling and eventually into a tree where the birds can build their nests, the kingdom will develop and produce a place of shelter and life for all. Like a bit of yeast mixed in with the flour, the kingdom appears insignificant now, but will eventually expand and permeate the world. Although the kingdom appears deceptively impotent in its early phase, its inherent power presses it to grow, spread and transform God’s creation. Even though there is conflict and the task seems overwhelming, both the parables make the same point, that God’s purpose through Christ will triumph ultimately. The parable gives a hope that the participants of God’s kingdom will benefit from the life-giving aspects of the kingdom such as its shade, refreshment and nourishment. They must only trust in the way God is developing the kingdom in the world and the way they are used as instruments of God’s kingdom.