This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.
The addressees of the letter to the Hebrews were rather impressive. They joyfully endured the confiscation of their possessions, presumably in a moment of persecution, either from the Romans or from the Jewish authorities.
Imagine today’s Christians rejoicing in the confiscation of their property, aware that they had more lasting (eternal) possessions.
This portion of the first reading would suffice for a few days’ meditation. As Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Mt. 6:21) Is our hope, even as it pertains to our Christian faith, in worldly victory? Do our foundations shake when the powers that be in the world prove inimical to us and our beliefs?
Special indeed are those Christians whose treasure truly lies in eternity and who, while engaging actively in the world’s betterment on every level (including political), never attach their heart to victory in worldly spheres.
For such a Christian, as for those early Hebrew Christians, today’s psalm resonates:
“The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.”
“Commit to the LORD your way;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will make justice dawn for you like the light;
bright as the noonday shall be your vindication.”
For such a person, the process that Jesus describes in today’s gospel is an ongoing phenomenon. Like a farmer sowing seed, such Christians give their lives to their vocation each day in utter simplicity, trusting that their gift will be the seed that the fertile ground–Divine Grace itself–will make grow disproportionately into fruits for the Kingdom of God.
Ideas for conversation with the Lord: Within the swirl of the world, ask Jesus to help you keep your perspective and your focus. Tell Him that you cannot keep your heart’s focus on eternity without His grace, and ask Him to infuse you with His Holy Spirit. Ask Him to make your harvest as fruitful as the farmer He had in mind when He spoke today’s parable.
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