Notes from Fr. Jim’s keyboard…
 
Do you ever wonder how our Scripture readings at Mass were chosen? In this year’s season of “Ordinary Time,” we generally hear from the Gospel of Matthew. Today and for the past two weeks, we heard from chapter 13 of Matthew’s Gospel, the entire chapter being a series of seven parables. Let’s review the past two weeks first, in order to present continuity:
 
• Two weeks ago… we began hearing from Matthew 13. Jesus told us the parable of the sower, who generously spread seed everywhere: on a pathway, on rocky ground, among thorns, and on rich soil. What kind of ground are we? How strong is our faith? God’s word is a seed that each of us is given to plant. How do we cultivate this precious seed? If we plant it in the good ground of our faith, it will bear fruit. If we water it with love, it will flourish.
 
• Last week… we also heard a parable about sowing seeds, but with a new twist. A man sowed good seed on good soil. In the dead of night, an enemy came and sowed weeds in this man’s field! How disgusting! The parable reminds us that both good and evil unfortunately co-exist side-by-side in our world. Although the Lord is good and forgiving, Jesus promises us that, in the end, those who do good will be rewarded, and those who do evil will be held responsible for their deeds. We also heard the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast, which remind us that good things often have humble beginnings.
 
• Today… we hear the conclusion of chapter 13 of Matthew’s Gospel, with Jesus comparing the reign of God to a buried treasure and to a merchant’s search for fine pearls. God’s kingdom and presence are priceless gifts. Let’s value our faith more than anything else we have! The final parable of the dragnet reminds us that God invites all into the Kingdom, but only the good will prevail.
 
May each of these wonderful parables that we’ve heard for three weeks help us to grow in faith, hope, and love as members of the Kingdom of God.