God and His Kingdom in the World

Reflection on Today's Readings, 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A,  July 19th, 2020
Texts: Wis. 12:13.16-19; Ps. 86:5-6.9-10.15-6a; Rom. 8:26-27; Matt.13:24-43
Today's Readings tell us about the kingdom of God. The first reading reveals how God rules his kingdom. Though he is absolute in power and might, he shows it in righteousness and mercy. It is written thus: "There is no god besides you, whose care is for all men, to whom you should prove that you have not judged unjustly; for your strength is the source of righteousness, and your sovereignty over all causes you to spare all". In his might and sovereignty, he looks down on us with mercy. He judges us, his children, with mildness, and with great forbearance he rules us. By his ways of life, God gives us good hope and wins us over to be like himself. It is written thus: "Through such works you have taught your people that righteous man must be kind, and you have filled your sons with good hope, because you give repentance for sins". Hence, the sons of the kingdom are like their head, God. In their dealings with one another, the children of the kingdom exercise mercy, love, compassion and kindness. This brings to mind St. Paul's adminition to the Colosians: "As the chosen of God, then, the holy people whom he loves, you are to be clothed in heartfelt compassion, in generosity and humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; forgive each other if one of you has complaint against another. The Lord has forgiven you; now you must do the same. Over all these clothes, put on love, the perfect bond" (3:12-14). What a lovely and beautiful kingdom!
The parables in today's gospel explain further the nature of the Kingdom of God. In the first parable, the sower of the seed is Son of man, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, the field is the world, the weeds are the sons of the evil one and the enemy is the devil. This parable reveals that both the children of the kingdom and of the devil live together in the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God, here, is the church (2Cor. 11:13; Gal. 1:7). The kingdom can also be our hearts, where we have both good thoughts and evil thoughts. The children of God and the children of the devil continue to live together until the end of time.
The second parable is about a mustard seed that grew to become big shrub and a harbour for birds. This parable shows us that the kingdom of God grows and extent its tentacles to all nations. The goodness of the kingdom attracts the children of the devil, they come and take shelter in the kingdom. The birds represent the children of the devil (Rev. 18:2).
The third parable shows that the kingdom of God grows by his grace, which the leaven represents.
The sleep in the first parable represents the weakness of the children of the Kingdom, which the second reading talks about. The devil comes to sow weeds when we are sleeping. The devil makes use of our weakness to bring in his own agents. The second reading reminds us that God has sent the Holy Spirit to help us in our weakness. We are to maintain good relationship with the Holy Spirit.

God our Father, give us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us always that we may not go astray. Amen.

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke