Jesus is at once the Good News of the kingdom and he that preaches it. He wants us to be optimists, preaching with him bountifully, not sparingly.

We can say that today’s three readings invite us to be optimists. The first gives hope and comfort to those of God’s chosen people who live in exile in Babylon. They have reason, that is to say, to be optimists due to God’s word that creates and bears much fruit.

The second reading, in turn, says that the experiences that make us groan and moan are like labor pains. They let us know that the birth of the new creation, our adoption, our redemption, is at hand. We Christians cannot be pessimists, then, but rather, optimists.

And the gospel spurs on the disciples, who are from the simple folks, to be optimists. For theirs is the grace to know the things of the kingdom of heaven.

But the wise and learned do not get the grace to know what the little folks are granted to know. The wise and learned hear, but they do not understand, they look, but they do not see. They do not understand with their hearts nor do they repent to find healing. Hence, they are easy prey to the Evil One. Or they give up right away in the face of conflicts and persecutions. Or they let worldly worries and the lure of power and wealth choke the word of the kingdom.

Yes, to the little folks like the disciples are granted to hear and to understand, too, the word. And they will bear fruit and will yield a hundred, sixty or thirtyfold. They will learn besides from their Teacher to sow bountifully, and not sparingly. Like him, they go about to do good.

Optimists, and so, maximalists

Those of the little flock will help in every way those who are poor and will make others help also. They will announce the Good News “by words and by works” (SV.EN XII:77-79). They will be maximalists, and not minimalists. That is to say, they will do the maximum, do more, nay, the most and the best they can to spread the word of the kingdom. Even to the point of giving themselves as food and drink to others, so that these may have life.

Lord Jesus, make optimists of us who are tight-fisted sowers. Let us put our trust in you, the Word made flesh, for you do the Father’s will and carry out what he asks you. Instill in us your zeal that will make us but feel bad that many souls wait for us still to help them (SV.EN XI:391). 

16 July 2023
15th Sunday in O.T. (A)
Is 55, 10-11; Rom 8, 18-23; Mt 13, 1-23