Tag: parables

“Where did this man get all this?” | Friday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “But I pray to you, O LORD, for the time of your favor, O God! In your great kindness answer me with your constant help. Lord, in your great love, answer me.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 13:54-58)

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.

In Nazareth, Jesus is met by many who know him by name and have seen him grow up in the house of Joseph and Mary. They contrast the wisdom he has with his simple origin and identify him in relation to family members—the carpenter’s son, the son of Mary, and mention of brothers and sisters. How could this man know what he knows? Just as it is easy to take for granted the gifts and wisdom of those closest to us, Jesus’ own townspeople do the same. The result, Matthew tells us, is that Jesus did not perform many miracles there because of their little faith in him.

God, help me consider two things from today’s Gospel. Help me see and appreciate how you work through those closest to me that I might otherwise take for granted. Even more, give me the grace to realize that in order for mighty deeds, or miracles, to take place I have to have faith in Jesus your Son and Jesus son of Mary. Help me trust in him as I move throughout the day, knowing that in him is the source of all knowledge and wisdom. Lord, in your great love, answer me.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Do you understand all these things?”| Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

From the responsorial psalm: “Put not your trust in princes, in the sons of men, in whom there is no salvation. When his spirit departs he returns to his earth; on that day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt13:47-53)

Jesus said to the disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

Jesus continues to teach the disciples about the kingdom of heaven through parables. A treasure buried in a field, a pearl of great price, and now a net thrown into the sea. All of these parables have in common the need for followers of Jesus to see in him the inestimable value over things of the earth. Just as the psalmist recognizes the littleness of human plans as they perish at one’s death, so Jesus guides the disciples and all who would hear him in the ways of eternal life. “Do you understand all these things?” Jesus asks the disciples. They tell him yes. And he replies, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the Kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.” Having heard him, where will Jesus be found in the midst of this day?

God, help me not be disturbed at all today by earthly plans that perish at the end of this life. Instead, let me seek again the buried treasure and the pearl of great price in every opportunity you give me today to praise you for the sake of your glory. You are the potter, we are the clay; your words spoken through Jeremiah make this clear. Jeremiah says of the potter he watches, “Whenever the object of clay which he was making turned out badly in his hand, he tried again, making of the clay another object of whatever sort he pleased.” Make in me, Lord, a new creation when things turn out badly. “Indeed,” you say, “like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand.” Saint Alphonsus Liguori, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Thursday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 13:47-53)

Jesus said to the disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”

In sharing this with the disciples, Jesus elaborates further on the kingdom of heaven. The net thrown into the sea describes the end of the age, the final judgment. In the net are the wicked and the righteous, which the angels sort for eternal life in heaven or in condemnation. The wicked, Jesus says, will wail and grind their teeth in the fiery furnace. But the righteous, Jesus says, would “shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” In his own words, Jesus makes clear the reality of the judgment. How one responds to that makes all the difference.

God, help me see the reality of your kingdom, present in the veil of this earthly life yet still to come, when Christ your Son comes again to separate the wicked from the righteous and establish the new heaven and earth. Through the Church’s teachings and sacraments, help me today choose to live not for the mere goods of this present reality but for the reality that is to come in the full realization of your kingdom. Give me the grace, God, to know your will and serve you in this life so that for the sake of your glory I will enjoy your presence forever in the kingdom to of heaven.

From the responsorial psalm: “My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the LORD. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” Lord, have mercy on me!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Wednesday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 13:44-46)

Jesus said to his disciples: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”

The words of Jesus from today’s Gospel, also heard in last Sunday’s Mass, stress the necessity of possessing the kingdom of heaven. The one who finds the treasure, Jesus says, goes and sells everything he has to buy that field so that he can own the treasure. The one who finds a pearl of great price sells all that he has to buy it. In both instances, Jesus relates the joy of finding it and the urgent response in buying it, or investing one’s whole self in it.

God, help me understand how to see the value not only in the words of your Son but in acting on them. Among my family, in the people I encounter, and in your word, you offer the kingdom of heaven to me every day. The value of the kingdom of heaven surpasses all other possessions and pursuits. Yet, unlike the goods of this world, it loses no value as you offer it to me time after time. It is worth giving up everything for its sake; let me hear and respond to the treasure you offer.

Lord, help me today to recognize the pearl of great price when I see it. I often walk away from the very thing I’m searching for. As Saint Padre Pio says, “Stay with me, Lord, if You wish me to be faithful to You.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 13:36-43)

Jesus said to his disciples: “The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus explains the parable of the weeds among the wheat. In his own words, the Son of God teaches us about the final judgment and the distinction between the righteous and the wicked. The harvest, or final judgment, represents the end of the age when the angels will separate the righteous from the wicked. Jesus also says that he is the sower. Although the enemy who sows the weeds is the devil, Jesus himself is the sower. Dwelling on that offers consolation while considering that the Son of Man will send his angels to toss into the fiery furnace all those who cause others to sin and all evildoers, while the righteous in heaven will shine like the sun.

God, help me understand the parables you shared with the disciples and share today with all believers who hear your word. Evil is a reality in this world, and working through that every day presents me with many more challenges than I can take alone. Stay beside me and be merciful, Lord, as I navigate this world where good and evil exist side by side. Strengthen me to persevere in the face of evil and let me work toward the eternal reward of life in your kingdom.

From the responsorial psalm: “Not according to our sins does he deal with us,
nor does he requite us according to our crimes. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him. Saint Alphonsus Liguori, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 13:31-35)

All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been said through the prophet: I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world.

Matthew relates the parables Jesus proposed to the crowds about the kingdom of heaven. It is like a mustard seed, the smallest of seeds but as a full-grown plant becomes large enough for birds to dwell in its branches. In another parable, he describes it as yeast mixed into three measures of wheat flour, leavening the whole batch. In each distinct parable, the mustard seed in its fullness and the yeast spread throughout the batch of dough become a means of sustaining life. The branches of the mustard plant become a place where birds dwell, where the spirit resides. The yeast becomes one with the batch of dough, transforming it and providing sustenance.

God, help me understand these parables and how they apply to this day. The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, seemingly small but producing profound impact and providing a spiritual dwelling. Give me the grace today to allow you to permeate my entire being and transform it. Let me find shelter in your care, and make me into a new person through communion with Christ and in his indwelling through the Holy Spirit. Nourish and sustain me, Lord; strengthen me with your presence.

From the responsorial psalm, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.” Saint Ignatius of Loyola, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 13:44-46)

Jesus said to his disciples: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”

Jesus shares with the disciples parables that have come to be known as the Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Value. These parables convey the profound significance of finding the great treasure of the kingdom of heaven, or God’s reign in our lives. In each parable, the one who finds the treasure shows a sense of joy and urgency. Joy because the one who finds recognizes its authentic value, and urgency because finding it requires a response. In the first reading, Solomon asks God, “Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.” For asking for that, God blesses him beyond what he can imagine. Every time we ask God that his kingdom come and his will be done, from the mystery of his grace we find the hidden treasure of understanding and wisdom.

God, help me learn to seek what is authentic in asking that your will be done. The kingdom of heaven at times can seem remote and unseen, the pearl of greatest value overlooked. Direct my gaze with the gift of understanding toward what you have hidden in plain sight. The kingdom is here, the kingdom is to come. Give me the grace to understand the urgency in listening out for your voice, and having found it, respond to your will. As Saint Paul says, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Grant me the wisdom, Lord, to understand your call.

From the responsorial psalm, “Wonderful are your decrees; therefore I observe them. The revelation of your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple.” Thank you, Lord, for the immeasurable gift of your kingdom.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Thursday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 13:10-17)

The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Why do you speak to the crowd in parables?” He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. . . . Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

Today’s Gospel takes place immediately after Jesus teaches the crowds by the sea. Afterward, the disciples approach him and ask why he speaks to the crowds in parables. The disciples who are close to Jesus are granted knowledge of the kingdom of heaven, but many in the crowd have not been given the same knowledge. The parables enrich those who know little of the kingdom but are open to hearing the words of Jesus. Of the disciples, Jesus says, “To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” To grow rich in the knowledge of the kingdom is to hear and receive the richness of Christ’s mercy through his word and in the sacraments.

God, help me comprehend the incomprehensible gift of Jesus your Son seen and heard on this earth and alive in his Church today. I am easily distracted by myriad thoughts even as I participate in the celebration of the Mass. Give me the grace of longing for your word so that I can grow rich in all that you offer me every day. Just as the Israelites prepared themselves to see and hear you in peals of lightning and thunder, let me be ready to listen out for your voice today; let me be open to conversion of heart to receive your unfathomable healing and mercy.

From the responsorial psalm: “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever; And blessed is your holy and glorious name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.” Soul of Christ, sanctify me!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 12:38-42)

Jesus said to the scribes and Pharisees: “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.”

Jesus tells the scribes and Pharisees of his coming death, burial, and resurrection in response to their question, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” He compares himself to Jonah as a way to show that God’s word has been spoken through them. But the prophets were ignored, and their hearers failed to repent. “At the judgment,” Jesus says, “the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah.” As he alludes to his saving death and resurrection, Jesus answers that this will serve as the ultimate sign of his authority and identity as the Son of God.

God, when I begin to demand signs from you, let me instead look back and see what you have done for me. In this life, I have been a witness to your manifold signs and miracles woven throughout the days and years, yet I still am slow to believe. Help my unbelief and hardness of heart. Be my strength and courage, Lord. Especially when I fail to know you are present, help me recognize and respond to the signs that you have already provided and will continue to provide.

From the responsorial psalm: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Lord, let me hear your voice throughout the moments of this day.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 13:24-43)

Jesus said to his disciples: “Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches important truths about the kingdom of heaven through his parables as he recognizes the coexistence of good and evil in the world. In the reality of the fallen world we live in, it is striking how Jesus depicts those who cause others to sin and their final judgment. Elsewhere in the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus says: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” These little ones— ones who are innocent or poor in spirit or waiting for the Lord’s mercy with contrite hearts—have understanding of the mysteries of the kingdom and are precious in his eyes.

God, thank you for your patience and mercy. Just as the owner of the field allows the wheat and the weeds to grow together until the harvest, you give me an opportunity to repent and turn to you time and time again through my contrition and the sacrament of reconciliation. That you allow the evil one to sow weeds and yet bring good out of it is a mystery. Almighty Father, although evil is contrary to your being and you do not eliminate it, you allow me to make a choice to return to you to receive your grace and repentance. And you do this for all who turn to you.

Lord, intercede for me today when my spirit is weak and I forget you. As Saint Paul says, “And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.