30th Week in Ordinary Time
31st October 2023 (Tuesday) Readings and Reflection
Psalter: Week 2
Reading of the Day
First Reading: Romans 8:18-25
Brethren: I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Psalm 126:1-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6 (R. 3a)
R/. What great deeds the Lord worked for us!
Alleluia
V/. Alleluia R/. Alleluia
V/. Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little children the mysteries of the kingdom.
R/. Alleluia
Gospel : Luke 13:18-21
At that time: Jesus said, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.” And again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.”
Daily Gospel Reflection
The Reflection by Fr. Thumma Mariadas Reddy MSFS{alertWarning}
Highlight: Quantity is no guarantee of quality!
Guidlines: Often people misjudge the quality and value by the size and the quantity. But they are not always the right criteria. It is on the basis of the quality of the potential to grow and become beneficial{alertSuccess}
1. In the gospel of Luke 13. 18-21, Jesus gives two similitudes for the Kingdom. They are a mustard seed and leaven. Two special characteristics mark them. One is their smallness and the other, their propensity to grow and have a larger effect. The mustard seed is small in size. But it grows into a big tree and shelters birds. Leaven is also little in its quantity. But when mixed with, it leavens the whole flour.
2. Similarly, the kingdom of God may initially look small and insignificant. It may not make big impressions. But it gradually grows and spreads its branches in all its directions, inviting, including and involving all irrespectively. It offers shelter and comfort to many. It has a steady and pervasive influence like a small portion of leaven.
3. Thereby, what implications are placed before us? First, do not go by mere appearances, by size, quantity or status. Do not judge the quality and value of things or persons by their roots and beginnings.
4. Beginnings may be humble but they can grow big. Let us not always be stuck by what appears at the moment but let us also open our eyes wide, look beyond and envision the hidden potency and propensity.
5. In specific reference to the kingdom, let us not wait only for big factors or opportunities to spread the kingdom of God. Let us begin small. Let us live and promote the kingdom in small little things. Let us not be impatient to expect results, quick and big.
6. What is important is how much we are progressively and steadily growing, and how much we become more and more beneficial to many. Like the little yeast, let us also try to exert a positive influence in whichever situation we are in. As children of God and followers of Christ, we must constructively influence others’ life.
7. In the light of the first reading Romans 8. 18-25, this implies a couple of guidelines. One is, to live in undying hope and eager waiting for our eternal destiny. Second is, to bear everything with patience with a deep conviction and faith that the sufferings of the present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
8. Third is, to constantly cooperate with God’s Spirit who wants to set us free from our bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God.
Practice: God wants us to spread His kingdom and for sure He does not expect sudden and spectacular miracles from us. All He wants is that we do our little part with a positive and beneficial heart{alertSuccess}