What would you say? The kingdom of heaven is like …
The gospel for Sunday July 26 proper 12a, gives us five examples; yeast, mustard seeds, a net full of fish, a pearl, and a treasure. Did Jesus tell these short stories all at one sitting? Or did he offer them over time, bit by bit, as events presented?
In any case, in Matthew, we have them like a fire hose, a flood, an avalanche. A lot at one time.
Well that’s life isn’t it? – a lot at one time.
The kingdom of heaven is like …
The kingdom of heaven is beloved, not just what brings us joy, although that sounds and feels good.
These parables are challenging [I pray] because the kingdom of heaven is not ever what we expect. it is the both more and less than. it is both the beauty and often harsh reality of our world.
It is small, it is unexpected, it is overwhelming.
That the disciples answer that they understand what Jesus is saying, is an amazing thought. Jesus hearing their affirmation gives them the charge, “every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of the household who brings out of his treasure, what is new and what is old." Well, then once we know beloved, we are to act.
Back to my question; the kingdom of heaven is like …
Are we looking for it, are we praying for it?
Many days I struggle to stay in the hope of the kingdom, that the kingdom, the reign of God exists among the uncertainty. With God’s help my awareness is constantly enlarging and the pain I feel for the indignity of the world is overwhelming. I understand that my outrage is not enough; it may be the beginning but change must follow. I guess here is the rub ... is change always kingdom change? that’s why I still pray and read and watch and talk. I have this keyboard and my words; I have prayer and solidarity. Is that enough?
I recognize the need to examine, re-imagine and bring out my treasure old and new and to let go of fear and search diligently for that which is given.
The kingdom of heaven is like …a beloved community – something imagined but not available, something challenged but not grasped.
The ongoing conversations in the world are challenging us and they well should be. We need to be in prayer toward our part, the better part.
It is with empathy compassion that will know more fully the kingdom of God.
For me art and song and music are also guides.
If you have a few minutes listen to this interview with Steve Earle and Lucinda Williams in the New Yorker
and I have just finished reading the memoir of patrisse khan-cullors,
when they call you a terrorist; a Black lives matter memoir.
Ever enlarging my own awareness about language and policy on culture, race, and systems of oppression and the work of one woman in community with others to invite, provoke change.
The kingdom of heaven is like … can we a community of hope for each other as we listen to hear Gods’ call.
Rev. Alison
