16th Sunday of Ordinary Time

 

Today we hear three parables from the 13^th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel.  Last week we heard the first of these:  The Parable of the Sower.   Be sure to read the entire portion of today’s reading as you may only hear the short version at mass.  The agricultural metaphor Jesus used was readily understood by his listener.  Some of its impact, however, may be lost on us.  Do not underestimate the impact of a poor or ruined harvest to a community in first century Palestine.  

I’ve chosen to repeat the song Parable to as a means of connecting these two weeks of hearing this portion of Matthew’s gospel.  

Fr. Albino’s homily last week brought to mind something that has been at the center of several recent conversations with friends and family.  Despite being raised in the church by parents who still attend church, many of our children no longer do so.   My take away from Fr. Albino’s words was to consider the seed planted rather than its current state of dormancy.   

Reconsider the words of Archbishop Romero's prayer: 

This is what we are about.  We plant the seeds that one day will grow.  We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise… We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities.                          
                                        

Perhaps you will find the idea of allowing God to be the master builder (or in this case the master gardener) as freeing as I.

Blessed to be spending this season of my life at St. Mary’s,

Bruce

p.s.

The composer of Parable; M.D. Ridge passed away on June 5^th of this year.  Born in 1938 in New York City, Meri Dell was the daughter of a show biz couple who found her own passion in church music.  M.D. was a liturgical composer, musician, writer, and editor. For 45 years she wrote music for Catholic churches and was a pastoral musician for parishes around the country.   Her compositions will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.  

Requiescat in Pace