Reflections...

A sermon preached at Kowloon Union Church on Sunday 27 July 2014 by the Rev. Phyllis Wong. The scripture readings that day were Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52.

Prayer

Gracious God, we give you thanks for the Kingdom of love and peace dwelling on earth and in our hearts. May the word of Kingdom inspire us and change us to become more like Christ. Amen.

Introduction

In the Gospel reading taken from Matthew, Jesus continued his teaching to the crowd and his disciples about the Kingdom of Heaven by using parables.

Last week we have heard about this – the Kingdom of Heaven is compared to a field of wheat and weeds – the parable of the good seeds and the weeds. The Kingdom of Heaven, has never been a place where only angels are living. There are a mix of good people and evil people.  In advancing the Kingdom of God, there is great struggle with  evil  coming to destroy. But we know God will judge and take care of his Kingdom at the end of the day.

First of all, let me clarify the terminology - Kingdom of Heaven and Kingdom of God have the same meaning.

Kingdom of Heaven is not about life after death nor a place where you can only find happiness and no sorrow. The theological meaning in the Kingdom of God is rich. It is a prophetic vision of a new heaven and new earth in which God is dwelling. (Revelation 21:1-5)

The Kingdom of God is about church’s mission: to proclaim a new order and transformation according to God’s will. It is good news shared by Jesus’ disciples and active action taken by them to make changes.

The Kingdom of God is a process to engage in God’s mission, and to experience God’s deep love and Christ’ transforming grace in a world of darkness.   

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus used some other parables to talk about the Kingdom of Heaven. He said the Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it becomes a big tree so that the birds come and make nest in the branch to rest.

Another parable of the Kingdom compares it to yeast – the leavened flour made by a woman.

Both parables inform us an important aspect of the Kingdom of Heaven. That it is about change, about transformation in life, a life that may serve others.

From the parable of the mustard seed, it reminds us about a lesson. No matter how small we think of ourselves, if we open up ourselves and are willing to be used by God, we may do great things for God and make contributions to others.

If we are the mustard seed, God is the one who sows it in the field and makes it grow. If we just be ourselves and do what God has called us to do, we may achieve great things. But bear in mind, it is not for ourselves, but for the sake of others, and for the sake of God

 The Kingdom of God is a call for change. (Mark 1:14-15)

The Kingdom of Heaven is central to the mission of Jesus. He regarded it as the core of the Good News. (Mark 1:15)

The Kingdom of God is a call for change.

In his earthly ministry, Jesus proclaimed the good news by saying this to the people --   “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God has come near, repent, and believe in the good news.”  (Mark 1:14-15)

To seek the Kingdom of God is to open up ourselves, and to commit ourselves to transformation of our inner self – in short it is to live a godly life.

A godly life is to become more forgiving, more sacrificing, more loving and compassionate, more peaceful at heart, more sensitive to seek justice. This is the life Jesus has demonstrated to us.

When human beings are able to formulate new relationships which are more loving and caring, they will form a community and a world that is a better place to live for all creatures. Christians, who are Jesus’ followers, are called to participate in the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom of love.

Change and transformation is easier said than done, for some people who have experienced deep hurt in the past may find it difficult to forgive and let go. There are others who may have fear in their hearts that hold them back in seeking changes. In other situation, it may be self interest and a strong desire to keep material possession that makes changes in life difficult.   

As human beings, we are all imperfect and have our own limitations and weakness. God knows it and understands. But God always gives us chance to change and God the Creator is our source of strength. The seed that grows to become a big tree is the work of God out of his grace. Jesus Christ, who is our savior, never separates us from his love. He has saved and will save us from all temptations. God will work things out when we are ready and commit ourselves to God’s kingdom.

Commitment is another important aspect of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Jesus used two other parables to share about the mystery of Kingdom of Heaven with his disciples.

 

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a person finds treasure and then hides it in the field and a merchant in search of fine pearl. When they find the valuable thing, they both sell all their possession to buy it.

Both the hidden treasure in the field and the pearl are referring to incomparable quality of the Kingdom of heaven. The Kingdom is so good and supreme, that the person who find it is willing to pay the cost. The person who goes to sell all his possession does it with joy. It is a big contrast to the rich man who felt sad when he was asked to sell all his things in exchange for God’s kingdom and eternal life.

These two people are willing to give up everything in exchange of the supreme kingdom.

The parable of treasure and pearl has given a challenge to us as Jesus’ disciples.

Do we recognize the supreme value of the Kingdom of God as shared by Jesus in the parable?

Is there anything that blinds us from seeing the ultimate value of God’s Kingdom?

Do we seek God’s Kingdom first and above all other things?

What are the barriers in me?

Do I love the worldly possession and myself more than God?

What has separated us from the love of God and made us refuse to respond to God’s calling to participate in God’s kingdom of love, justice and peace?

There is no easy answer for the above questions.

Tong’s family talk this morning may give us some insights.

We are the treasure of God. We are the fine pearl in the eyes of God. We are all highly valued as we are God’s children created in his holy image. Human lives and dignity are the supreme value in the Kingdom of God. This is the very reason we should give all we have to defend it and regain it. Without life, we have nothing left to embrace.

Facing a world full of violence and abuse of human rights is heart breaking. The bombings in Gaza that have killed hundreds and injured thousands innocent people, and the women abuse in Iraq have reminded our call to seek and engage in the Kingdom of Heaven by offering what we have, with commitment.

The supreme value of God’s Kingdom is life, love, justice and peace.

The treasure represented in God’s Kingdom is not a material object and is not something out there. The treasure, the pearl are right here in our heart and in all suffering faces. In seeing the love and mercy of God behind the suffering people, we see the supreme value of God’s Kingdom.

May God guide us to make the right choice and empower us to take courageous actions to make changes in our life and in the world for the sake of God’s Kingdom. Amen.