+Hebrewstells us that there have been priests and high priests who have offered sacrifice for sins, “But this one [Jesus the Christ] has offered one sacrifice for sins, and took his seat forever at the right hand of God.”
Without saying it, Hebrews is saying that “this seed planted has grown to full stature and has produced abundant and eternal fruit.”
Hebrews is, in simple reality, proclaiming the Christ as universal and as king, Lord, redeemer, savior, and as the Holy One for whom we have waited and waited and waited. He has come, and he will come again! Alleluia!
+ And so on another occasion, Jesus the Christ began to teach by the sea; of course, a large crowd began to gather.
He talked about the seed planted. He talked a lot about the ground on which the seed fell. Then he drew out the consequences of the quality of that ground — the consequences that determined the productivity, growth, and fruitfulness of that seed.
When it comes down to it, Jesus would say: “Those who have ears to hear it will hear it.”
But then he explains why, Jesus speaks in parables.
It had to do with the “Mystery of God” and to whom it would be revealed. To “those outside”? No. But to you — chosen, called, and to be sent.
You were to receive this word in parables, and the kingdom of God would be unlocked and opened to you.
But as clear as this parable is to you and me, Jesus notes as he asks: “Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables?”
+ Here, I believe, Jesus is speaking to us also through the wonderfully talented writing of the evangelist.
Do we understand these parables? If so, can we say that the seed planted in us and in our personal faith hearts has produced 100 percent?
Do we seek this word? Do we love this word? Do we welcome this word every day? Do we believe in the transforming power of this word?
Do we hear, or is there any question about the quality of our lives?
+ The mystery of the kingdom of God has been granted to us; we must seize it.
Father Perry D. Leiker is the 14th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter: @MrDeano76.
