Starting Small
Oct 31: Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Happy Halloween!
A few years ago, Word on Fire published an article titled It’s Time for Catholics to Embrace Halloween. Just yesterday, they released an interview with the author, Fr. Steve Grunow, in case you’d rather watch/listen than read.
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. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; 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. 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.
This life is temporary, but the Kingdom of God is forever. We have to persevere, because we know whatever we’re suffering now is not the end.
It’s not always easy to see this in the moment, but look back at what frustrated you as a child. It probably looks insignificant now, right? That’s what all of this will feel like in Heaven.
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
R. 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.
So, Israel has returned from Babylon, but now they have to rebuild. Even after escaping exile, they need help.
We will always need God’s help, even after he’s delivered us from one problem. We live in a fallen world, and there will always be another problem.
Alleluia
See Mt 11:25
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
A loving father teaches his children; we have to let ourselves be childlike before God.
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. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in 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."
These parables have an obvious point—the Kingdom of God will begin small (Jesus and the apostles), but grow mightily.
But there’s a subtext to that bolded part; it’s referencing Ezekiel. Ezekiel tells a parable of two eagles, plucking branches from trees and planting them far away. He then asks if either will grow. Of course, not! They have no roots. (These are metaphors for the the Egyptian and Babylonian exiles.)
Then God says he’ll plant a cedar on the highest mountain, and protect it as it grows.1 The point being that Israel needs God in order to grow.
So Jesus is subtly telling anyone who remembers Ezekiel that yes, the Church will grow, but not without God.
