Ephesians5:21-33,
Psalm 128:1-2.3.4.5,
Luke 13: 15-21 Full Readings
Blessed Bartholomew of VicenzaThe Reality of the Kingdom of God.
St Paul exhorts the people to observe love and fidelity in marriage as very important to the understanding of the union between Christ and the Church. He points out the marriage couple which lives in the kingdom of God. A husband and wife imitate Christ in his love and fidelity for the church. They leave their own respective families to form a new unit where they give each other in unconditional love and fidelity. They are no longer two, but one flesh just as Christ is one with the Church and loves her unconditionally. In such a family of love there is mutual respect, spirit of sacrifice and stronger faith in God. St Paul’s exhortations are relevant for our times more than ever.
Why does St Paul tell husbands to love their wives and wives to respect and be submissive to their husbands? He uses a simple logic of telling both sides to do what is usually difficult for them to do. Quite often, husbands have no much love for their wives but they are usually submissive to their wives granting all their wishes, in that a man can do whatever a woman asks though it may be not out of love. So St Paul encourages them to love their wives more. In the same way, women are known for loving from the heart, but quite often not submissive and want their things and requests to be granted if asked. That's why St Paul tells them to be submissive to their husbands. In this way, a family will be a kingdom of God. Married people learn from St Paul.
What can mustard seeds and leaven teach us about the kingdom of God? The tiny mustard seed literally grew to be a tree which attracted numerous birds because they loved the little black mustard seed it produced. God's kingdom works in a similar fashion. It starts from the smallest beginnings in the hearts of men and women who are receptive to God's word. And it works unseen and causes a transformation from within.
The transforming power of the Holy Spirit within us. Leaven is another powerful agent of change. A lump of dough left to itself remains just what it is, a lump of dough. But when the leaven is added to it a transformation takes place which produces rich and wholesome bread when heated - the staple of life for humans. The kingdom of God produces a transformation in those who receive the new life which Jesus Christ offers. When we yield to Jesus Christ, our lives are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. Paul the Apostle says, "we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us" (2 Corinthians 4:7). Do you believe in the transforming power of the Holy Spirit?
Let us Pray
Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and transform me into the Christ-like holiness you desire. Increase my zeal for your kingdom and instill in me a holy desire to live for your greater glory.
Be blessed
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