Three Measures of Yeast

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Rom 8:18-25; Ps 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6; Lk 13:18-21
Notes: The readings for today, tomorrow and Thursday are almost exclusively from the readings of the Order of Christian Funerals. I am speaking of the first reading, responsorial, second reading, gospel acclamation and the gospel reading itself. All of it but one single reading.

These readings aren’t exclusively for funerals but are among the ones particularly helpful when grieving the death of a loved one. During this season of remembrance, we turn to the sacred Scripture to remind us of the essential truth: God made us, God loves us, God calls us to Himself. And in the most particular Christian way, the Resurrection. We are promised the resurrection in Christ.

So which single sacred Scripture reading is specifically not a part of the Order of Christian Funerals?
The Parable of the Mustard Seed and The Parable of the Yeast.

The Kingdom of God is at Hand (as a point of reference)

“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark).
From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew).

What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it?

• The largest tree imaginable. It shall put forth branches and bear fruit, and become a majestic cedar (EZ 17:23b).
• The biggest loaf of bread imaginable. Three measures of yeast is an enormous amount making a single loaf of bread to feed at least 100 people.

Life, protection and our daily needs all come to its fullest in the kingdom on Earth.

Come rest and eat in the Kingdom.

Coming Up

• All Saints – Wednesday (Holy Day of Obligation)
• All Souls – (Commemoration)

Those in OCIA should seriously consider attending Mass Wednesday. As a Seeker you are not under obligation to do so, but it is the way of Catholics to do so and this is what you desire for your life.

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading
But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.

Responsorial
The Lord has done marvels for us.

Gospel Acclamation
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Gospel
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.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry