Homily – Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

The careful examination of the Readings today reminds us of God’s fundamental attitude to us.  As we say in the Psalm: “Lord you are good and forgiving.”  We know that he is patient with us and that indeed, as Saint Paul says to the Romans: “the Spirit comes to help us in our weakness” and indeed expresses our pleas to God.  The wonderful story of the sowing of seed in the field can be an encouragement for us as we continue our journey. 

It will be a reminder that every one of us is on a journey.  The parable of the sower can be understood in terms of God sowing good seed, providing opportunities in the field of life and the world and showing us how seed can fall on good ground, in rocks and among briars and thistles.  The patience of God which says: “Let them grow until the time for harvest”, gives us a realisation that God is always patient and understanding of us despite our imperfections. 

The second example of the mustard seed shows that we can become something that we have not ever imagined if we follow the Lord and are faithful to what he offers us.  Then again, the whole question of the leaven and the dough shows how what we are and can become influences people.  It is not enough for us to read and study Scriptures, but we have to fulfil them also. 

Obviously, the thing that we take from the Readings today is we have to focus on the goodness of God and his plan for us.  While we know that he is forgiving we know also that God is full of love; he listens to our prayers, he does wonderful things and is a God of mercy, compassion, love and truth, who will take pity on us. 

These are the mysteries of the kingdom that are shown in the attitudes that God has to us and that we have to have to each other; patience, forbearance, charity, a clear vision of right and wrong.  God knows everything in our hearts.  The message of our life has to be clear and sure, established in faithfulness and truth. 

By Archbishop Denis J. Hart