Sunday, July 30, 2023

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

The Revised Common Lectionary passages for the Lord’s Day are:
– First Reading: Genesis 29:15-28
– Psalm 105:1-11, 45b or Alternate Psalm 128:1-6
– Second Reading: Romans 8:26-39
– Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

The liturgical color for the day is: Green

At first glance is seems like it is a story of Jacob getting tricked into 14 years of labor.  Instead, it is a story of Jacob’s trusting in God—for the long haul and even when the circumstances are not what he counted on. (Sounds like it could easily translate into our present day.)

It is a story of trusting that inner spiritual knowing which says, “Oh, this is where I should be—this is how God intends it.”

There is that piece inside Jacob which knows Rachel is the one—and he listens to that voice through all the pain and labor of 14 years—not just settling for Leah, but going the extra miles and knowing Rachel is the one.  

And it is Rachel who ultimately bears Joseph…

Jacob trusted for the long haul. 

There is more mustard plant from that solitary seed than the mind can conceive.  Jesus tells us that the kingdom of God is like that—it is more vast, more prolific, more strong, more prevalent and relevant than we can see.

So just when we think we have all there is to have—oh, the kingdom of God is more lovely, more full, more life giving than the best of the best pearl we have.

The kingdom of God is more treasure filled than the fullest of our treasure chests…

It is always more than…and it is the eyes of trust that help us to see such vastness, yes, even in our current circumstances.

—

Rev. Dr. Daris Bultena
General Presbyter and Stated Clerk