Sunday 30 July 2017

Psalm: Psalm 105

Background

Today's Bible passage offers us an abundance of parables; which,in itself, says something of what "the kingdom is heaven is like".They indicate the overflowing, life-creating love thatcharacterises the kingdom whilst also pointing to its richness,complexity and transcendence. The kingdom of heaven is present,bursting forth from the smallest, most insignificant or familiarplace; and yet it is beyond our language and our understanding. Thekingdom of heaven is like what happens in the stories about themustard seed, the yeast, the hidden treasure, the merchant insearch of fine pearls, the net with fish of every kind and, weinfer, so much more. The kingdom of heaven is growth andtransformation, discovery and joy, reordering of priorities andrecognition of God in our midst.

The parables of the mustard seed (verses 31-32) and the yeast(verse 33) are sometimes referred to as parables of growth, and weare familiar with the idea that from something so very tiny amassive plant can grow or a huge amount of food can be produced:that so much life and nourishment results from something so tiny,so easily overlooked or disregarded. Nevertheless, is the idea sofamiliar that we receive it as such and fail to let its wisdom fireour hearts, hopes and imaginations?

In the parables of the hidden treasure (verse 44) and thepearl-seeking merchant (verses 45-46), we hear stories about joyfuldiscoveries, whether found unexpectedly in the ordinary routine oflife or after a long search. Both discoveries not only bring greatjoy, but also lead to a reordering of values and a reorientation oflife. The hearer (or reader) understands: on discovering God allelse takes second place. Yet how easy it is for us, like thenarrator in R S Thomas' The Bright Field, to go our way and forgetit?

The final parable of the net (verses 47-50) contains a newelement. Fish of every kind are gathered in. All are welcome, butat the end they are sorted. We are offered a clear depiction of thefinal judgment. This is where the parables lead us. At the end ofthe story there is a reckoning and we are held to account. Thisreminder gives a sharper edge to our reflection on what has gonebefore. It is not enough just to speculate, or wonder, or hope inthe promise the parables contain, but we are prompted to giveattention to reorienting our lives to God and to reflect on howthat is lived out day by day. The kingdom of heaven puts thingsinto perspective, bringing joy but also demanding a response.

To Ponder

• Where have you discovered the 'hidden treasure' of the kingdomof heaven?

• What helps you to remember those times when you haveexperienced something of the kingdom of heaven, both the joy andthe challenge?

• What helps you to orientate your life to God? And what stopsyou?