Tenth Sunday after Pentecost (year A proper 13)- Matthew 14:13-21

 This year, the Gospel for the Tenth after Pentecost is the story of Feeding the Crowds in Matthew 14:13-21. This is a familiar account of Jesus feeding the 5000. The Gospels tell about Jesus feeding the hungry multitudes on more than one occasion. These miracles have several levels of meaning and application. Like all miracles, multiplying the bread and the fish is an assertion of Christ's divine Lordship over nature. It is also a manifestation of His compassion for human beings in need, especially those whose needs arise because they have come to hear Him. He cares for the immediate physical needs of the people around Him, and He is teaching His disciples to respond to such circumstances in mercy and in faith.

In addition, this feeding of the hungry also points toward higher needs. In addition to physical hunger, human beings also have a spiritual hunger. They may not always acknowledge this hunger, but their spiritual longing is the reason they are drawn to Jesus. And just as Christ can satisfy their momentary physical hunger, He can also satisfy their eternal spiritual hunger through His living Presence in Word and Sacrament. Divine Providence supplies our physical needs, but even more importantly, God in Christ provides sustenance for our souls.

Pentecost 9 (year A proper 12)- Matthew 13:44-52

The Gospel for this Sunday is Matthew 13:44-52, which contains three short parables or comparisons about the value of the kingdom of heaven. Living under divine rule is compared to a treasure in a field, to a pearl of great price, and to a net catching all kinds of fish. In the first two comparisons, Jesus tells us that the kingdom of God is so valuable that a person should give all he/she has in order to obtain it. In the third parable, our Lord warns us that the great catch will include both good and bad fish. The good and bad will be sorted, and the bad will be discarded. This sorting is a reminder of the final judgment. Christ concludes by implying that His disciples will become teachers who will share the treasures from the old and new covenants.

As followers of Christ, we should recognize the supreme value of the divine kingdom, that is, the importance of seeking to live under God's rule and in His presence. We should also realize that there will be a time of judgment when some people will be excluded. In repentance and faith, we should be witnesses who share the warnings and promises revealed in Scripture.

Pentecost 8 (year A proper 11)- Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

The Gospel for the Eighth Sunday after Pentecost is from Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. These verses contain Jesus' Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (or Weeds) and His explanation of it to His close disciples. Many of us like to be positive and emphasize the growth of goodness, but this story reminds us that the development of goodness in this world is complicated. Even in relatively good times, there are problems. In a fallen world, evil is always present alongside goodness.

The wheat is the divine Word, especially the Gospel, sown in God's field, but all is not as it should be, even in Christ's church. God's spiritual enemy has scattered bad seed in the field. By this parable, our Lord reminds us that life in the world, including life in the earthly church, is a mixture. Of course, there is a need for individual and community discipline. There are situations when certain notorious sinners or heretics can be excluded from particular churches. Yet, a perfect community of faith is not attainable in this world. Until the final harvest, there will be weeds growing beside the good grain in God's field. There are bad things growing within individuals and among Christian communities, even at our best. We should recognize the reality of such worldly corruption, but at the same time, we should continue seeking divine grace so that we may grow in goodness and encourage its growth around us.

Pentecost 6 (year A proper 9)- Matthew 11:25-30

 The Gospel for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost is from Matthew 11:25-30 and follows a section of woes or warnings to those who have heard Jesus' message and seen His works but lack faith. Sunday's selection turns to the situation of those who have faith. Our Lord praises His heavenly Father that the Gospel message, which those who consider themselves important and wise have rejected, has been accepted by the simple and humble. Being simple and humble can often be found among people of lower social standing, such as manual workers, peasants, the sick or disabled, social outcasts, and notorious sinners. Yet, the New Testament often reminds us that being simple and humble is more about attitude than status. Even some prosperous and influential people (members of the Sanhedrin, Roman officials, and associates of the Herodian family) come to humble faith.

After giving thanks for humble believers, Jesus issues an invitation for others. In Matthew 11:28-29, we have the famous words: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Earthly life, even at its best, has difficulties. There are toils and burdens, challenges and weariness for all. All humans need rest, refreshment, and new strength. The irony is that we do not earn what we most need through human effort. We receive what we really need through divine grace, and we accept renewal through humble submission to Jesus Christ. The challenges of human life do not disappear, but Christ offers spiritual rest and strength that enable us to follow in His way and truly live with Him.