Reading 1 Rom 8:18-25
Brothers and sisters:
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing
compared with the glory to be revealed for us.
For creation awaits with eager expectation
the revelation of the children of God;
for creation was made subject to futility,
not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it,
in hope that creation itself
would be set free from slavery to corruption
and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.
We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;
and not only that, but we ourselves,
who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,
we also groan within ourselves
as we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
For in hope we were saved.
Now hope that sees for itself is not hope.
For who hopes for what one sees?
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
R. (3a) The Lord has done marvels for us.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Then they said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R. The Lord has done marvels for us.
Gospel Lk 13:18-21
Jesus said, "What is the Kingdom of God like?
To what can I compare it?
It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden.
When it was fully grown, it became a large bush
and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches."
Again he said, "To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?
It is like yeast that a woman took
and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour
until the whole batch of dough was leavened."
Meditation: Romans 8:18-25
“Creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God.” (Romans 8:19)
Picture in your mind’s eye a sunrise on a quiet beach. Imagine the first rays of dawn spilling over the water, illuminating it with streaks of golden light. Hear the seabirds’ cries echoing in the air as they skim over the surf. Watch the waves hitting the sand, exploding in plumes of white spray, then rolling gently back into the ocean. It’s so glorious, so peaceful, that you think you could sit there forever.
In his meditation on the glory that awaits us as believers, Paul reminds us that all creation will share in that glory. It’s the longing for this perfection that we feel as we see a beautiful sunrise, look at a snowcapped mountain, or gaze on any natural wonder. Our spirits are “hardwired” to know that as beautiful as nature is, something even more beautiful is coming. The natural world is but a reflection of heaven—and of the awesome, majestic God who will share it with us!
This hope of glory is something we need to be reminded of every day. We all face times when we are tempted to focus on the negative— on our sinfulness, on our struggles, or on the staggering problems facing the world. While we shouldn’t ignore these things, neither can we be effective Christian witnesses if we lose our eternal perspective. The most convincing testimony to Jesus that we can ever give is a life lived in freedom and joy—a life that points other people to the promise of heaven.
Do you want to be “heavenly minded” while still keeping your feet on earth? Then make sure to take time every day to praise God. Lift your heart up to heaven, and fix your mind on the promises that Jesus has made to you. Make it a point to “bless the Lord at all times,” and you will find yourself growing in confidence in your heavenly destiny (Psalm 34:2). Know, too, that as you lift up the Lord in worship, you will draw near to him—and he will draw near to you!
“Thank you, Jesus! I know you are standing by me in the midst of all my challenges. To be in your presence is all I need. Lord, I praise you with all my heart!”
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