Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

For the next two weekends, the Gospel reading will focus on the Kingdom of God. Jesus used a number of parables to explain the concept of the Kingdom of God. However the concept defies a clear definition. This is because when Jesus spoke about the Kingdom, sometimes he spoke about it as having already come and sometimes he spoke about it as a future reality; sometimes he spoke about it being inside the person and sometimes he spoke about being in the midst of people. Many scripture scholars also suggest that when he spoke about the kingdom he was speaking about himself. This is how I would define the Kingdom. Taking my clue from Galatians 5: 22-26, I would say that wherever there is Godlike love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control, there the Kingdom becomes a reality.

Today’s Gospel reading is not merely a message for us. It is a call. In this world are many evil people. In this world are many who kill indiscriminately. In this world are many who want to do harm. In our lives there are people who hurt us. In our neighbourhoods are people who abuse and kill. In our communities are those who slander and make false accusations. We have experienced those who can be selfish and unfaithful.

It is to this world and precisely because of the presence of evil and sin that we are called to be the mustard seed of the kingdom. We are called to be the yeast of love and compassion in the world. Like the suicide bombers do, let us strap ourselves to the love of God and blow this world, out little worlds with love.

Fr. Satish Joseph