Is 55:10-11; Ps 64; Rom 8:18-23; Mt 13:1-23
Second Isaiah, writing around 550 BC, concludes his “Book of Comfort” to the Jewish exiles in Babylon with an invitation to a joyful banquet. After renewing His covenant of peace, God has reminded Israel that “my thoughts are not your thoughts”: God’s words come down gently to bring forth divine fruits, like the rain which enables the earth to yield its fruits.
Paul continues this theme of God’s plan slowly moving towards its climax: creation is unable to attain its purpose without help, and it was made this way by God. But Paul gives us a brilliantly clear vision of God’s plan: with the coming of Christ, creation is now groaning in the birth pangs of being set free.
It is worth listening carefully to Matthew’s explanation of the parable of the sower. And especially to Jesus’ very difficult statements that he talks to the crowds in parables because “they listen without hearing or understanding”. He says “They have shut their eyes, for fear they should see, … and be converted”. The coming of Jesus brings both judgement and mercy. God’s judgement means that some will not understand His words, which will struggle to be received unless our minds are open and we cease making our own image of God.
Psalm Response: Some seed fell into rich soil and produced its crop.
Is 55:10-11; Ps 64; Rom 8:18-23; Mt 13:1-23
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