Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
Cycle 1 is used in odd numbered years and Cycle 2 is used in even numbered years. The gospel is the same for both years.
- First Reading (Cycle 1) - Romans 8:18-25: : Current sufferings are insignificant compared to future glory. Creation and humans both await liberation. Our hope is in what we can't yet see, and this hope sustains us.
- First Reading (Cycle 2) - Ephesians 5:21-33: Wives should respect their husbands, akin to how the Church respects Christ. Husbands should love their wives as Christ loves the Church. This reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church.
- Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 1) - Psalm 126: When the Lord restored the people of Zion, there was laughter and rejoicing. People acknowledged God's deeds. Despite initial suffering, those who sow in tears will eventually reap happiness.
- Responsorial Psalm (Cycle 2) - Psalm 128: Those who fear the LORD and follow His ways are blessed. Their family life is fruitful, and they will enjoy long-lasting prosperity.
- Gospel - Luke 13:18-21: Jesus likens the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed that grows into a large tree and to yeast that permeates dough. Both parables illustrate how something small can have a big impact or undergo significant growth.
Themes for the Gospel for Tuesday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
- Growth Over Time: The text uses the mustard seed and leaven to depict how small beginnings can lead to large outcomes. It suggests that patience and time are key for growth and development.
- Influence and Impact: Both mustard seed and leaven are used to show how something small can have a large influence. This could refer to ideas, beliefs, or actions that may seem minor but can affect a larger group.
- Kingdom of God: The passage employs these analogies to explain the nature of the Kingdom of God. It's a way to describe how divine principles might manifest in the world, starting small but having a significant impact.
- Everyday Examples: The text uses simple, everyday items to convey complex themes, making it relatable to the audience. This speaks to the theme of using accessible means to convey deeper truths.
- Hidden Processes: Both the mustard seed growing into a tree and the leaven causing dough to rise happen largely out of sight, suggesting that important changes often occur where we can't easily see them.
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.
Luke 13:18-19
Thoughts for Tuesday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
In this Gospel passage from Luke 13:18-21, Jesus talks about how the Kingdom of God grows. He says it starts small, like a mustard seed or yeast, but eventually becomes significant.
Here's the deal: Jesus wants us to understand that even small actions can contribute to the growth of God's Kingdom. Just like a tiny mustard seed can grow into a big tree, or a small amount of yeast can leaven a whole batch of dough, our little efforts can have a big impact on spreading God's love and teachings.
In each of these examples, there is a person involved. A man planted the mustard seed. A woman mixed in the yeast. What are we doing to help the Kingdom of God grow?
Well, it's not about doing grand, flashy things. It's about living our lives with kindness, love, and faithfulness. Simple acts of goodness, like helping someone in need or showing forgiveness, can be like planting those mustard seeds. We may not see immediate results, but over time, they can make a big difference in the world.
In short, we should strive to be like the person who planted the mustard seed or mixed the yeast—doing our part, no matter how small it may seem, to help the Kingdom of God grow.
Prayer
Jesus, sometimes I think the Kingdom of God will grow without me. I sit idly by. Show me what I need to do today to plant the seed or mix in the yeast. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Tuesday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
Word on Fire: Start Small
In this reflection for Tuesday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time, Bishop Robert Barron discusses how today's Gospel likens the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed, emphasizing that God often prefers small beginnings. He notes that while God has the power to enact significant changes instantly, He chooses to involve human agency. Examples include asking St. Francis to rebuild the Church and inspiring St. Anthony to live in the desert. Bishop Barron suggests that starting small allows initiatives to grow steadily and helps those involved to be tested and refined over time.
USCCB Reflection: Anchovy Paste and Other Secret Ingredients
This USCCB video reflection for Tuesday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time discusses the importance of small acts and how they can make a big impact, comparing this to the concept of a Mustard Seed from the gospel. Just as a little anchovy paste can go a long way in flavoring a dish, small acts of kindness can make a big difference. We should pay attention to "the small things" like thank you notes, holding doors, and showing courtesy, as these are the building blocks that make up a better world. The challenge is to recognize the impact of these small acts, likening them to mustard seeds that can grow and make significant changes.
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