Date: Sunday, April 24, 2016
Children in our Strong Start Pre-K 3 & 4 and Youth Faith Formation classes are planting seeds and watching the green sprouts break through the soil. Growth remains a mystery whether a seed in the ground, a child in the womb or an idea. Jesus uses parables of growth to describe the Kingdom of Heaven e.g. seeds in the ground and leaven or yeast in dough. Jesus is inaugurating the reign of God which is both coming and present. At baptism we are anointed to usher in this way of kingdom living that is exemplified in the person of Jesus, his words and deeds. St. Luke writes of the beginning of church communities in his Acts of the Apostles. There is preaching and hearing of the Word, conversion of hearts, coming together in faith, appointing leaders, fasting, prayer, hardships and persecution, sending of Barnabas and Paul to share the Gospel. But always God is working through them and opening doors to the Gentiles. The “churches” in the Book of Revelation keep the “vision” of John the Seer of a holy city, a New Jerusalem, coming down from heaven and dwelling with them. “He will wipe very tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away. The One who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold I make all things new.’” The mystery of heaven is revealed slowly and partially in our personal and communal transformation. At the Last Supper Jesus gives a new commandment to his disciples: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” Love is the link and the key that unites heaven and earth and makes all things new.