Grace Cathedral
1 Samuel 15:34-16:13; Psalm 20; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10, 14-17; Mark 4:26-34
As if by divine coincidence, our set of readings this Sunday, which matches our current election cycle, examines this complicated notion of God’s Kingdom here on earth. From the Book of Samuel we hear about God electing Saul, and later David as his successor, to rule the Unified Kingdom of Israel. Election, in this Biblical sense, was God’s initiative and prerogative; but it also meant being appointed by God to a life lived outwardly in the service of others.
But while the electing and anointing by God was reserved for a select few, in his letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul emphasizes that whoever is “in Christ” is a new creation, and is anointed with Christ, chosen and appointed by Him to live no longer just for themselves. Being a new creation in the Kingdom of God is like a humble seed [humus: of the earth] which dies of itself only to become new in the form of a soaring tree, or a mighty shrub: fruitful, life-giving, welcoming, generous—it produces of itself even if it does not know how.
May our worship this Sunday strengthen our resolve to humbly live in Christ as His new creation, confident in the Kingdom of Heaven.
This reflection was written by Ben P. Miralles Jr, a member of the Congregation since 2010 and who currently serves on our Board of Trustees. Ben has been part of the Education for Ministry (EfM) program and participates in a wide range of ministries.
Isaiah 25:1-9; Psalm 23, Phil. 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14
Rejoice in the LORD, always; again, I will say, Rejoice!
One common thread one finds in today’s readings is the disposition of being joyful. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, written while the author was still in prison awaiting trial, he exhorts his readers to always rejoice and exude gentleness. But in Paul’s very imperfect world — in so many ways similar to the one we currently inhabit — where real pain and suffering exist and evil and injustice thrive, how does one rejoice? And why?
Today’s segment of St. Paul’s letter offers us assurance that God is near (and God’s nearness is reason enough for Paul for rejoicing) but the author is also quick to enumerate in the rest of his letter the many blessings for which he is grateful. The prophet Isaiah reinforces that spirit of gratitude, exalting God —and exulting in God — for the many wonderful things God has accomplished. But more importantly, both writers suggest that God’s work continues.
Matthew’s gospel hints at this scenario: that while there is still much work to be done, on God’s Kingdom here on Earth, the King also sends us an invitation — and a license — for rejoicing and merry-making. Would we, like the farmers and business-owners in the gospel parable, allow our very important work to get in the way of this invitation?
This reflection is written by Ben P. Miralles Jr, a member of the Congregation since 2010 who currently serves on our Board of Trustees. Ben has been part of the Education for Ministry (EfM) program and participates in a wide range of ministries.
1 Kings 3:5-12; Psalm 119:129-136; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Today’s readings gives us a glimpse of the Kingdom of Heaven by reminding us of God’s generosity, indiscriminate love and willingness to listen and respond to our prayers.
In the first reading, God invites Solomon, the newly appointed King, to name anything he wants God to grant him. In humility, and with an earnest desire to govern well God’s people, he asks God to grant him wisdom.
In the letter to the Romans, St. Paul reminds his readers that because of our short-sighted and selfish human nature, we don’t always know what to ask for in prayer, but that God sends us the Spirit—the Spirit of God, which dwells in us (Romans 8:9)—to intercede for us in our weakness. Our generous God, who gave us His Son and His Spirit, would He not give us everything else? Paul continues his argument by assuring us of God’s limitless and unconditional love that cannot, and will not, be withdrawn from us.
God’s generosity and immeasurable love is the hallmark of the Kingdom of Heaven, which the gospel describes as completely desirable. Whoever discovers it surrenders everything in exchange. Similar to a mustard seed, it looks small now, but when nurtured and cared for, it can grow into something bigger that welcomes anyone who approaches and nests in its branches.
As we gather this Sunday in this house of prayer for all people, may we pray for, and truly desire and experience, this Kingdom of Heaven.
Benjamin P. Miralles, Jr. has been a congregant since 2011 and currently serves on our Board of Trustees. Ben has been part of the Education for Ministry (EfM) program and participates in a wide range of ministries.