If you wish to read the text click here: Jeremiah 13:1-11; Mt 13:31-35
There are three parts to the
text of today. The first is the parable of the mustard seed (13,31-32) then is
the parable of the yeast (13,33) and finally the reason why Jesus speaks in
parables (13,34-35).
While the parable of the
Mustard seed is found also in Mark 4,30-32, Matthew follows the Q version more
closely. While in Mark, the mustard seed becomes more correctly a shrub which
puts forth large branches (Mk 4,32) and the birds of the air make nests in the
shade of the shrub (Mk 4,32), in Matthew, the mustard seed becomes a tree
(13,32) and the birds of the air makes nests in its branches (13,32). The tree
motif probably has references to the symbol of the imperial tree mentioned in
Ezekiel 17,23 and 31,6. The point, however seems to be to contrast the present
lowliness of the kingdom with its ultimate greatness.
In the parable of the yeast, we
are told about the act of a specific woman in hiding the yeast in three
measures of flour, just as the mustard seed had spoken about the act of a
specific man in sowing the seed. Yeast, here is used in the positive
sense, whereas generally it has negative overtones. The reason for the use of
yeast as a symbol for the kingdom is to probably shock the listeners. The
quantity of flour into which the yeast is hid is three measures, which would
produce enough bread to feed about 150 people, and is indeed a large amount,
brings out the aspects abundance and extravagance. The kingdom at present seems
small and insignificant, as is the yeast, but it will be revealed in its
fullness later.
Though Mt 13,34 parallels the
conclusion of Mark’s parable discourse (Mk 4,33-34), which states that Jesus
spoke to the crowds only in parables, Matthew has added in 13,35 the eight of
his formula or fulfilment quotations. The quotation is from Ps 78,2 and Matthew
probably uses it because of the word “parable” found in it, though the context
in the Psalm is not about hiding but about revelation.
We might tend to get
discouraged sometimes when we cannot see clearly the results of our actions. We
have striven hard and at times all that we have to show for our hard work seems
negligible in comparison. The parables of the mustard seed and yeast are calling
us to continue to sow and mix or in other words to do what is required of us to
the best of our ability.
Good morning Father Errol,
ReplyDeletei am making an attempt to read your blogs everyday.
Pray that i make it happen and change my life.
Paul V Gomes
Dubai.