Jesus’ emphasis on the growth of his kingdom in spite of appearances to the contrary responds to the apostles’ apprehensions over the enmity of the Pharisees and the defection of some disciples. Jesus rejects the temptation to make his followers into a sect of the "pure" and "enlightened," withdrawn from the hostile environment of the world and concerned only for their own welfare and salvation. Instead, he insists that his kingdom must remain fully in the human arena, and that patient effort in imitation of God’s patience will bring about its fulfillment.

The growth of the wheat and weeds together in the field addresses the obvious fact of the presence of wicked people even within God’s kingdom on earth. The early Church came to recognize unfaithful members in its midst, and questioned how this could be possible in the kingdom of God. The answer, derived from these words of Jesus, is to await God’s final judgment in patience.

The parable of the mustard seed alludes to the persistent growth of the kingdom, and the contrast between seemingly insignificant beginnings and the final outcome.

The image of the yeast is clear enough, portraying the growing power of the kingdom as both hidden and irresistible. Note that this passage (and its parallel, Lk 18:20-21) gives the only favorable reference to yeast in the Christian Scriptures. All other passages (Mt 16:6; 1 Cor 5:6-8; Gal 5:9) portray it as a corrupting element.

The book of Wisdom comes from one of the small colonies of Jews living in the Greek world about a hundred years before Jesus. Seeing all the immorality around them, they would naturally question why God tolerates it. The answer of this book’s author is threefold: (1) God gives time as the opportunity to overcome self-centeredness and to turn to him; (2) the innocent should not perish with the guilty; and (3) the Jewish people should imitate God’s tolerance. Tolerance, however, does not mean accepting evil as good and yielding to it. It means respecting the dignity of the human person and the image of God found in human freedom, and helping others to use that freedom in accord with God’s plan.

Even in deep distress, the psalmist recognizes that no one has greater power and mercy than the Lord, and this thought restores his confidence. Response: "Lord, you are good and forgiving."

Paul speaks of how the flesh — the way of self-centeredness — may disturb one who is of the Spirit, but cannot overcome him or her. In the midst of suffering, both the tribulations of our human condition as well as those difficulties that are the result of our following of Christ, the Spirit is with us as the pledge of the future fulfillment (vv 18-25).

Prayer, too, can be a problem in this "spirit-flesh" tension. Even the believer is tempted to pray "according to the flesh" ("we do not know how to pray as we ought") by trying to manipulate God to serve our own ends. The Spirit of Christ ensures our submission to the Father in union with Christ, and true prayer arises only out of this submission.

1. What place is there in the Church for bad members? Does this Gospel make you feel content or uncomfortable? Why? Which is the more appropriate feeling?

2. How does the Spirit pray within you?