Teach Us, O Lord
In these days of Ordinary Time, the readings of the Church's liturgy point to Jesus as our teacher. He looks upon us, his beloved, and encourages us to try to consider the vastness of the love of God, and the reasons for our hope.
Even the shortest parables, such as the Mustard Seed, offer great insight into the continued growth and transformation of the kingdom of God, whether we are among the Church Triumphant in Heaven, or still building his kingdom here on earth. In just two verses of the gospel of Matthew, chapter 13, he shares such great wisdom, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’”
Today’s Gospel from the sixth chapter of Luke reminds us to “rejoice and leap for joy” when we encounter trials in our lives. Jesus offers his disciples and us the consolation, “Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.” When we remain aware of the loving presence of Jesus while in the midst of trial, we can be assured that our heavenly reward will be greater than we can imagine!
Jesus is alive and wants to be near to us in both the sacraments and in His word. As we draw near to the Lenten journey, may we prayerfully consider how he wants us to encounter him in the coming weeks. Our cemetery locations serve as special places of prayer for those who have gone before us in hope. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are especially encouraged to visit one of the many throughout the Archdiocese of St. Louis in order to gain a plenary indulgence. “In the course of the year,” Pope Francis said, “every effort should be made to enable the People of God to participate fully in its proclamation of hope in God’s grace and in the signs that attest to their efficacy.”
