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Readings for July 17,2011
July 17, 2011
Wisdom 12:13, 16-19
Psalm 86: 5-6, 9-10, 15-16
Romans 8:26-27
Matthew 13:24-43
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." (Mt. 13:34-35)
This reflection takes as its point of departure the above verses of Matthew 13, included in the longer version of this week's Gospel passage. Rather than consider the specific parables in the passage, this reflection briefly explores Jesus' use of parables in his teachings about the Kingdom.
Many have observed, when reading the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), that the Kingdom of God, (or Kingdom of Heaven as used in Matthew), is the primary motif of the teaching and preaching of Jesus. It is also observed that Jesus uses parables as his primary means to proclaim God's Kingdom. Here in the 13th chapter we find perhaps the largest collection of Kingdom parables. In one chapter, we find the Kingdom linked to parables of a sower & seed, of wheat & weeds, a mustard seed, yeast mixed with flour, treasure in a field, and a net in a sea. Many other parables related to Kingdom are found in the rest of Matthew, and throughout the Gospels.
When we with our modern consciousness encounter this bountiful imagery, all referring to the one reality of the Kingdom, it can lead to confusion and frustration. Couldn't Jesus have just given us one clear definition of the Kingdom? Perhaps a deep reason is that our modern minds often seek clear and unambiguous definitions. We live in a world where much of scientific achievement, and advances in social organization and management, depend on clearly defining the various components of our reality. Because the more we can define our reality clearly, the more we can learn to exercise control of our world. And gaining and expanding control is a powerful desire for us.
When Jesus uses a wide variety of parables as we see in Matthew 13, he offers an alternate path. Jesus leads us to open our minds and hearts to mystery. Jesus refuses to be nailed down, but instead suggests and points to deeper, more elusive truths. The parables are about letting go of illusions of control through precise definition, and entering a journey of faith, where we learn, over time, to place our lives in God's hands. And in doing so, we begin to enter where God reigns.
This path is in no way a rejection of careful and rigorous use of our powers of reason. God gave us gifts of reasoning to use in God's service. In fact when we think about God, theological reflection uses reason as a vital resource in the life of faith. However, the best theology does not lead us to a conviction that we have figured out God and thus everything else. Instead, it supports and challenges us in our journey. Theological reflection gives words to our encounter with God, and also draws us further into the life of faith. The parables are a rich source for this reflection. Interpreted and re-interpreted throughout our lives, they help us to surrender control and to encounter mystery.
Question for reflection: Where in my life does God seem to be calling me to let go of trying to be in control, and allow God to reign?
Michael Prus has been a member of Ascension since 2001. He is a staff member at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Naperville. He holds a Master in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University.
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