Today’s Gospel:  Luke 13:22-30

REFLECTION
The mustard seed mentioned in today’s Gospel is indeed very small but in the Middle East where the climatic conditions favor the plant, the mustard tree has been known to reach a height of 12 feet. Its branches are often so strong that the birds can indeed find shelter in the foliage. The fantastic growth of the tree has been likened to organized Christendom, and the birds to the various stages of apostasy which plague the work of God in the latter days. It must be remembered that Christ was trying to indicate what the Kingdom would be like, and let it also be remembered that at that time, the kingdom had hardly begun. To a handful of unlearned men the gigantic task of evangelizing the world was being entrusted. There would be many setbacks and some of the disciples would give their lives for the cause of Christ. The Lord in this passage not only forecast the success of their mission; He spoke words which after sober reflection, could only be a source of encouragement and comfort. His followers’ mission would succeed beyond their wildest dreams. Throughout the Old Testament, kingdoms are often likened to trees, and there are teachers who believe that the birds of the air were meant to indicate the Gentile nations who would find refuge within the shadow of God’s church.

The parable of the leaven was something that every person in Palestine would have fully understood for each household made its own bread. Leaven was simply fermented dough - possibly retained from a prior baking. Working quietly from within, the fermented dough worked to produce something wholesome, sweet, and desirable. Jesus saw in this an illustration of what would happen within the kingdom. His band of followers seemed so insignificant, and by many would even be denounced as unclean, but with the help of God they would challenge the citadels of Satan. The Holy Spirit would intensify and bless their efforts until growing from practically nothing, the kingdom would be established throughout the world.

The Lord had now returned to His itinerant evangelism. From village to village the little band of preachers travelled, and everywhere people came to hear His message. Then suddenly from the ranks of the bystanders came someone to ask a question. His identity has not been revealed but it is almost certain that he shared the common belief that only Jews could be sure of admittance into the Kingdom of God. The Lord’s reply surely startled the questioner. The task of getting into the kingdom of God was not only something of superlative importance; it was exceedingly difficult - so difficult that unless a man exerted all his strength, there was danger he would be excluded. The word translated “strive” is very strong. It is “agonizesthe,” which means “the exerting of concentrated strength.” The word is expressive of the difficulty of being saved - as if one would have to force his way in. Another Bible scholar says the word means: “to enter a contest; to contend in the olympic games; to contend with adversaries; to fight.” Still others suggest the word conveys the desperation of a lawyer as he struggles to offset a capital charge. To get into the kingdom of God is such a matter of importance that one should exert his concentrated strength to surmount any obstacle in the way.
This idea was diametrically opposed to the popular conception that Jews would inherit the kingdom by right of their birth into the Hebrew nation. In the verses of today’s Gospel allusion is made to nuptial feasts. These were celebrated by night. The house was filled with lights... the guests entered by a narrow gate, at which the porter stood to prevent the uninvited from rushing in. When all that had been invited had arrived, the door was shut, and not opened to those who stood without, however much they knocked. There is also the possibility that the Lord had in mind the fact that city gates closed at sunset, and all cameliers desiring to enter, had need to arrive before closing time. Sometimes it was necessary to exert great effort to reach the gate, but unless the traveler succeeded, he was obliged to remain outside all night. Whichever is correct, the basic thought is identical. Nothing could be taken for granted. It was imperative that men should strive to enter God’s kingdom whatever the cost. Even some participation in the work of God on earth is no guarantee that a man will enjoy the blessedness of the eternal kingdom.

The reference to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lends credence to the suggestion that this question had been asked by a Jew who believed all Jews would automatically be received into the kingdom. It was a startling thought that people who called themselves the descendants of Abraham, might in the last day be separated from their ancestor. It has also been taught that verses 29 and 30 were literally fulfilled for the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of the church proceeded first to the east, then to the west - along the Mediterranean coast; then to the north - to Europe; and finally to the South and the uttermost parts of the earth. Perhaps when the kingdom is eternally established, some of the prominent citizens of earth will find they are unimportant and obscure in the realms of the Lord, and by the same token, some insignificant Christians might thrill to hear the Lord saying, “Well done thou good and faithful servant... Come ye blessed of my Father... inherit the kingdom.... ”

Today’s Reading:  Eph 6:1-9

PRAYER
Lord, no effort done in your behalf is insignificant in your eyes.  Accept my humble contributions to your church.  May they be worthy to earn for me the right to join you in your Kingdom in the afterlife.  In Jesus’ Name we pray.  Amen.