16th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (A)

The kingdom of heaven is like yeast.

Mt 13:24-43

There are three parables in today's gospel:

* The parable of the wheat and weeds
* The parable of the mustard seed
* The parable of the yeast

Jesus explains the meaning of the parable of the wheat and the weeds to his disciples. But parables are not explained. Moreover the details found in them are not meant to have a meaning. That is why this is not a parable. It is an allegory. It is probable that it was the early church that transformed the parable into an allegory. That is, it was the early church that gave the meaning of the details.

Parables seek to challenge the beliefs or behavior of the hearers.

The parable the wheat and weeds challenged the belief that the Christian community is composed only of holy people. In fact, both saints and sinners are found in it. And sinners are given all the time by God to repent and be converted. However, they should expect punishment should they fail to take advantage of the time given by God.

The first members of the early Church were mainly Jewish converts. It was true that the offer of the Kingdom was first given to the Chosen People. The parable of the mustard seed challenged these Jewish Christians to accept the fact that God's kingdom is open to everyone, Jews and Gentiles alike. The birds resting on the mustard shrub alludes to this. In fact, the church grew because of the gentiles coming to faith in Jesus Christ.

In the beginning the Christians were thought of as a small sect within Judaism comparable to the Pharisees, the Zealots and the Essenes. In fact, they still worshipped in the Temple. The parable of the yeast challenged not to think that they are insignificant. They have responsibility that is world-wide in scope. They are supposed to change the world. They are supposed to be a force for good.

A FORCE FOR GOOD

An acknowledged leader observed that the alumni of his school were harmless but useless. What he meant was that the alumni had the reputation of generally being honest citizens and good christians--and no more. They were useless in the sense that after so many years they didn't seem to make a mark in society. They were afraid of stepping forward and of being counted. They seem to prefer to be in the shadows. This leader says that must change.

His point was not that the alumnus must grab the limelight. He did not say that the alumnus must have his every move publicized. What he did mean was that every alumnus must understand that being a good citizen is not just about obeying the laws of the land. Being a good citizen means helping build up the society in which he lives.

Grounded in Christian values and inspired by the example of Jesus Christ, the Christian of today must become a yeast that will build up society. He must become a force for good.