PARISH MASS

Eighth Sunday after Trinity

Brothers and sisters,

Like the other gospel authors, Matthew first gathered together as much information as he could about Jesus' life and teaching before he set about writing his gospel. Matthew often records longer accounts of what Jesus said and the context in which he was speaking. However, this Sunday's gospel reading seems to list numerous one-sentence parables without further elaboration.

It is fair to presume that Jesus would have drawn on numerous illustrations as part of his preaching ministry. And whilst the context of many of these were remembered, it seems that only the key sound bites of others were recorded. It is these sound bites that are listed in our gospel reading this Sunday.

So what does Jesus tell us the kingdom of heaven is like? From tiny beginnings, it grows from strength to strength. It grows to permeate all things, bringing life and hope. The kingdom of heaven is of such value that we must not cease searching for it, and when we find it we feel compelled to give all we have to possess it. The kingdom of heaven will gather all to God, and in his loving embrace evil and righteous will be separated, and the evil cast out.

Let us ponder our own response to the promise of the kingdom of heaven. Where do we stand when confronted even with these mere snippets of Jesus' teaching.

Every blessing,

Fr Myles

Rector

For our weekly newsletter for The Eighth Sunday after Trinity click here, and for the Scripture Readings click here.