Publican and the Pharisee
The concept of the seed (example of Ukrainian and American householders). A small thing that can grow into something wonderful.
Examples of seeds as metaphors:
- Luke 13:18-19. Then Jesus said, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and put in his garden; and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.” (also the Parable of the Sower, Matthew 13:1-9)
- Seed as faith and love. The kingdom of God (which is within us) grows in us and also in the community of Christ until is matures into the Full Kingdom which is to come.
- But what happens when the seed grows wild? (burned with the trash – Matthew 13:30) What happens when the seed is neglected (it creates a barren and haunted place – see Isaiah).
- Genesis 22:17. Blessing, I bless you, and multiplying I multiply your seed as stars of the heavens, and as sand which is on the sea-shore.
- Seed as pregnancy. So much potential in each child. Will he or she grow up to be a blessing to God and the community? Or a curse? Will he or she be nourished or neglected (or even offered as a sacrifice to fallen gods)?
- Money as Seed. Each of the coins in our pocket can multiply in the going of good… or in the doing of bad… or simply thrown away.
- Reminds us that we need to be intentional in making every dollar count… in all the right ways. Give each dollar a name (Dave Ramsey). And ideally the name of the first ten dollar out of ten is “Thank You God”.
Now ready for the main point. Every moment has unlimited potential. It can be wasted, or it can be nurtured. It can grow into the infinitude of God (talk about compound interest!!!) … or it can grow into a twisted weed or it can just be squandered. Today’s parable. These men were given the very same moment, but what did they do with it?
- The Pharisee. Looked like he was going to use the time well. Studied the scripture. Studied God. Decided to spend that moment IN CHURCH. But then he squandered the time completely. What a disappointment. Then again, perhaps he’ll get it next week.
- The Publican. Looked like his time would be wasted… but it wasn’t. He used that moment in the most powerful way possible. In humility, in repentance, and in true conversation with God. This moment draws him into a joyful infinity.
This is our moment. A moment we have set aside in humble thanksgiving to God for his sacrificial love. As with the Pharisee, let God use our humility to draw us into His eternal glory.
That is the essence of the Eucharist; may God bless us as we continue to celebrate it now.
