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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider The birds of the sky dwelt in its branches

The birds of the sky dwelt in its branches

Published Oct 30, 2023 04:05 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gird your loins

The twin parables of Luke show how the Kingdom of God begins small and hidden, suddenly breaks forth with life, and is not confined to any single group. The contrast is between the small beginning and the impressive final result. The mustard seed is the smallest seed for the sowing; it is no bigger the head of a pin. But from this minute seed comes a large shrub. And the birds of the sky come to rest in its branches (Dn 4:9; Ez 17:23). The same is true with the leaven which, when mixed with a quantity of dough, makes the whole mass of dough begin to rise. The parables picture the Kingdom of God which, despite its insignificant beginnings in the person and ministry of Jesus, will eventually expand into a great kingdom open to all the peoples of the earth. The spectacular expansion underlines the truth that the growth of the Kingdom is really exclusive of God (1 Cor 3:6-7) and that with God all things are possible (Lk 1:37).

First reading • Rom 8:18-25 
Brothers and sisters: I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now; and not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, we also groan within ourselves as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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