Breaking the Word

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.

30^th Week in Ord. Time, Monday – 24^th October 2022 — Gospel:    Lk 13,10-17

Purposeful Fulfillment 

Jesus takes notice of the woman who is bent over and unable to stand erect. He initiates the healing by calling her and then proclaims that she is “set free” from her ailment. Jesus heals on the Sabbath not to irritate the religious leaders, but to highlight the Sabbath significance of his mission. The purpose of the Sabbath is the remembrance of the liberation of God’s people from their bondage and also to give glory to God.  As stated in Torah, “Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arms; therefore the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day” (Deut 5,15). Since the Sabbath is a remembrance of the Exodus, Jesus considers this day as best to free the captives and to enjoy rest from their bondage. Therefore, Luke wishes to demonstrate that Jesus is leading a New Exodus. As the Lord of Sabbath, he has come to liberate God’s people from all the powers of evil that hold them bound. Jesus proves that he is the source of eternal life on the Sabbath, not only in words but also in actions. The woman, in turn, gives glory and praise to God.