Gospel Reflections for June 14 2015
Big things begin small…
Jesus begins this Gospel, “This is how it is with the Kingdom of God…” and then offers several colorful scenes from ordinary life that reveal useful lessons for us today. These are His famous parables.
Jesus knows His disciples will soon feel overwhelmed by Roman leaders who will resist their preaching. In His parable, He describes them as the smallest of seeds which then grows to be the largest of trees, large enough for all kinds of birds to build nests and find rest.
They must have loved that image of something small like themselves, becoming large, and large enough not to dominate others but to provide refuge for all kinds of people in need. Jesus knew that it is precisely in helping others who are weak that we find strength.
That tiny little Catholic community in Jerusalem went on to convert the entire Roman Empire, and area about the same size as the United States is today! Catholics even converted the wild Barbarian tribes that entered Europe in the following centuries. They were seen by everyone as courageous and compassionate people …who helped others. The parable had come true!
However, the rise of radical Islamic fundamentalism in recent years has made life difficult for Christians throughout the Middle East. Of course, it is worse in northern Iraq and Syria where ISIS dominates. Fortunately, the new leader of Egypt has been very supportive of Christians. He even attended Midnight Mass in the Catholic Cathedral in Cairo as a show of solidarity.
Since 2007, I have been a member of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, which is an international Catholic organization of lay people and priests that financially supports Catholic parishes and schools in the Middle East. This next week I will leave for our annual Holy Land Pilgrimage, (learn about the Holy Land Pilgrimage). We will visit one of the places in Bethlehem that Order supports which is Bethlehem University. I have been there before and I am impressed. These wonderfully optimistic students are surrounded by a sometimes hostile Muslim culture but they believe they are the mustard seed that will soon grow large and help change that culture peacefully. They are a beacon of hope in a difficult land.
Our Lord offers these parable images for us as well. Even if you feel small like a mustard seed, with God’s grace, you can become that person that others discover is just what they need to find rest.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Fr. Dave
I truly believe helping others who are weak that we find strength!!
It is amazing that Jerusalem has been able to resist the destructive outside forces. God has protected the Holy Land since it is the birth of our faith and site of miraculous events,
I hope to join the Pilgrimage soon!
God Bless you and ypur pilgrims to the Holy Land.
How beautiful your words Father Dave, “that we might feel small like a mustard seed but with God’s grace you can become that person that others discover is just what they need to find rest!!!”Loving our God, grace fills our hearts and we grow in God’s love and are open to share it and be there for others!!! Love Jesus’ words ” Love one another as I have loved you!” What a blessed world we would have if we all lived those precious words!! Our mustard seed would grow into a magnificent tree of love!!!!!!Have a beautiful trip to Israel!! You are in our prayers and in our hearts!!!
Love, Franca and Dick
Hi Fr.! This Sunday’s reading appears to be so appropriate for our plans this week doesn’t it? When I last visited the Bethleham Univeristy I was so impressed and moved by the spirit of love and peace between the students, and the tenacity of some students that go to school EVERY DAY despite whatever obstacle arises to attempt to prevent them from attending. One Student spoke about having to pass through the gate into Bethleham every morning for class and sometimes the security guards would hold him up for no good reason for hours. For this reason, he would attempt his crossing hours earlier than needed to make class that day so as to not be late. He told his story and wasn’t angry. He said he was grateful and happy that he was able to receive his education in the atmosphere the University provides and felt to have this in his life was worth any silly inconvenience brought on by the attitudes of others. I remember thinking how much my own son was taking for granted in regard to his own education. I promptly scolded him upon my return and told him the story of this student. My son buckled down, graduated with honors and is expected to receive his Masters in August. Bill and I make yearly contributors to the University. I enjoy receiving their news letters and annual magazine that describes their progress. I am very pleased we will be going back to see the students.
When talking of the mustard seed God uses us to lant it and then someone will water it and someone will fertilise it and then we can watch it grow. He is also telling us to plant those seeds in others lives. He will make it grow and wants us to be part of it. What a privilege.
When you mentioned Isis it has been interesting that nthe Body of Christ, whether they be Catholic or other seem to just watch it happen. Then I got reminded of Gideon’s army. Didn’t take many to win the war. I keep praying for those soldiers to wake up and they will. Because in the end it is God and I have faith that His way will win. I hope more are praying for the Muslims. I belong to a group that pray for them once a month at the minimum. The Lord loves them to..
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Loved your message….sometime I feel so helpless that I can’t help others…..your words are a big encouragement to help me continue the little I do…..thanks for your words of encouragement .
Fr. Dave,
Wonderful reflection and commentary. Have a great pilgrimage to the Holy Land; I would love to hear about your first hand findings and conditions since ISIS regional aggression and territorial gains in the past 18 months or so.
Deus Lo VultI
PS: Compliments on your new assignment! While I don’t always get around to replying to
your weekly reflection, I do look forward to receiving and reading it.
With blessings and safe travels.
Just finished the Holy Land trip. Fantastic time! I did not see any extra security issues while I was there, except that over all tourism is down.
Dear Father Dave,
I like reading your comments and wish I could hear your homilies in person… George and I miss them. I just wanted to wish you a wonderful and safe trip to the Holy Land, I hope and pray that I could join you next year. May God bless you and all those who are traveling with you. Please keep all of us in your prayers. Thank you for all that you do. You are a blessing to all that know you.
Yes, I hope you can join us next year!