In today’s Gospel Our Lord encourages us with the parables of the mustard seed and leaven to have faith and hope that the Kingdom of God is present, active, and growing. In faith we know that the Kingdom of God is present, as Our Lord taught, but not completely established. Even if everyone in the present moment of history were to be fully part and beneficiary of the Kingdom of God, it would only be a fraction of the good that Kingdom seeks to accomplish and has accomplished throughout history. It starts small, and often works unseen, but in faith we know it’s present and active.
In hope we know that the Kingdom will not only extend, but reach everywhere. It has extended, but as St. Paul reminds us in the First Reading, we hope for what we do not see, otherwise it wouldn’t be hope. It’s a spiritual reality that has, at times, visible effects, and in faith we know, as St. Paul reminds us, that all of creation is eagerly anticipating the Kingdom’s extension and perfection. In faith we know the ultimate fruits of the Kingdom for ourselves and all of creation–redemption and glorification–and in hope we press forward, knowing the Kingdom will triumph over sin and death definitively for all who welcome its presence and action.
Let’s pray with renewed favor the words we say every time we pray the Lord’s Prayer: “Thy Kingdom Come!”
Readings: Romans 8:18–25; Psalm 126:1b–6; Luke 13:18–21. See also 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B and 17th Week in Ordinary Time, Monday.
