Gulf Pine Catholic
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July 18, 2014
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The popular maxim, “Power corrupts” does not
apply to today’s first reading. Our Responsorial Psalm
continues the theme of mercy and forgiveness evident
in the first reading, “Lord, you
are good and forgiving.” Paul
proclaims the conundrum that we
do not know how to pray but the
Spirit comes to our aid in our
weakness (Romans 8:26). How?
Another conundrum, “Power is
made perfect in weakness” (2
Corinthians 12:9a). The title of
today’s commentary expresses
the mystery and challenge
(conundrum) Jesus’ parables
sometimes present as we try to
discern their spiritual meaning
and apply them to our lives.
Today’s Wisdom reading
speaks an ancient and popular conundrum. God, who
possesses awesome and fearful power and might, and is
master of all things -- uses His mastery not to coerce,
or intimidate (as most mortals would) but to dispense
mercy, leniency, forgiveness and an approachable, even
invitational demeanor. We know this by observing the
life of Christ, “If you know me, you will know the
Father” (John 14:7-11). The Lord’s deeds teach us to be
kind and forgiving. He keeps our flame of hope burning
brightly that we might pass it on to others. Is your pilot
light blazing clearly enough for all to see?
Much of Paul’s letter to the Romans has to do with
the presence and working of God’s Spirit within us.
How do we allow the Holy Spirit to intercede for us
according to God’s will? With docile surrender and
heartfelt invitation -- “Spirit of the living God, fall
afresh on us, Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on
me.” But with the invite we yield every morsel of
independence from God. Buying into the world’s
promise that freedom means I can do anything I please
even if it is not pleasing to God, is a false sense of
‘strength.’ Thereupon is the secret of weakness; it
empowers us to overcome desires of the flesh and
configures us more to the image and likeness of God.
Chapter 13 of Matthew’s gospel reveals two shifts
in Jesus’ ministry. Where earlier Chapters saw Jesus
mostly in the Synagogues, Chapter 13 has him teaching
and healing in the streets and interacting with Jew and
Gentile alike. Secondly, from early on Jesus’ teaching
was always provocative, now he adds parables to
solidify his message. Chapter 13 records seven of
Jesus’ parables.
A parable is ‘an earthly story with a heavenly
meaning.’ The stories are illustrative comparisons
between Christian truths and everyday life. As stories,
parables make truth concrete. They begin with things
we understand to teach about things we do not
understand. In this lies the conundrum: It reveals truth
to those who desire and seek truth but hides truth from
those not interested enough to think or too blinded by
hardness of heart to see (Matthew 13:10-17).
Today’s Gospel has three parables (the sower of
good seed, the mustard seed, and yeast mixed with
wheat) Jesus uses to describe the kingdom of heaven a
term synonymous with the reign of God. It is an ideal
state of mind and heart where God’s perfect will is
desired, embraced and demonstrated in the life of the
believer. We seek God’s kingdom in our own lives and
pray for its coming into the world (“thy kingdom come,
thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”).
Please read today’s gospel (Matthew 13:24-43) and
reflect on each of the parables. The first comes with
Jesus’ explanation. Clearly pointing to the tension
between good and evil but revealing God’s loving
mercy and patience. He expects the strength of good
seed (wheat) to influence the weeds so at harvest time
they too will be fruitful. We do not know when harvest
will come for us and those we are trying to influence
for good -- so get busy now sowing that good seed,
don’t put it off -- and you will shine like the sun in the
kingdom of your Father.
For Reflection:
1. In what ways heave you seen power corrupt?
2. To whom do you need to show mercy and
forgiveness?
3. How would you explain to someone the principle
of power being made perfect in weakness?
4. What are some conundrums you wrestle with
from Scripture or teachings of the Church?
5. In what areas of faith do you find yourself
disinterested or hardened to the point of doubt or
unbelief?
Action Response:
1. Pray specifically for those who have allowed
power to corrupt.
2. If you have identified someone you need to
forgive -- go to the sacrament of reconciliation and take
care of it without delay -- forgiveness is not an option
for the believer.
3. Regarding reflection questions 4 and 5 in this
commentary -- meet with a spiritual advisor to get
clarity on these issues.
Deacon Ralph Torrelli lives in Hattiesburg and is
assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Visit his
website: deaconralph.com.
1st Reading: Wisdom 12:13,16-19
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 86:2-3, 3-4, 5
2nd Reading: Romans 8:26-27
Gospel: Matthew 13:24-43
16th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Parabolic conundrum
Deacon Torrell
i
Sunday
Scripture
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