Parables To Show Sin Corrupts

He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; ³² it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” ³³ He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.” ³⁴ Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. ³⁵ This was to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet: “I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world.”-Matthew 13:31-35 NRSV

Jesus Loved Using Parables

Jesus loved to teach in parables.  We do the same things as parents for the simple reason that stories have been a teaching tool since the beginning of time.  The parables that Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel reading are no different.  Here Jesus utilizes two distinct parables to get a very important point across.

The mustard seed is a very small seed, but it grows quite large.  The second parable is about yeast and bread.  When one is baking the proper yeast must be used.  If this isn’t done then the whole batch of dough is ruined.

Its No Big Deal

In these parables Jesus tells us something very important.  Any sin that we don’t vanquish can grow bigger and bigger.  What are some things in your life that may fit this characterization?  This particular sin may different for everyone but the result is still the same.

Often times we try to rationalize this particular sin.  We sat that it isn’t that bad.  Jesus thinks differently.  If we are unwilling to deal with this sin then we are telling Jesus something.  In effect we have defined the relationship and told him that he is not as important as the sin.  When that happens we have lost ourselves into mortal sin.

There Is Hope

When this happens we are not without hope.  Jesus still summons us to himself.  In the sacrament of reconciliation he mends our souls and reconciles us to himself.  What is holding you back?  There is no sin that you have committed that cannot be forgiven.  The evil one likes to plant that thought in our head, but he is a liar.  Get rid of that bad yeast and replace it with good.

Saint Quotes

Little children follow and obey their father. They love their mother. They know nothing of covetousness, ill-will, bad temper, arrogance and lying. This state of mind opens the road to heaven. To imitate our Lord’s own humility, we must return to the simplicity of God’s little ones.-St Hilary of Poiters

Grace is nothing else but a certain beginning of glory within us.-St Thomas Aquinas

Fly from bad companions as from the bite of a poisonous snake. If you keep good companions, I can assure you that you will one day rejoice with the blessed in Heaven; whereas if you keep with those who are bad, you will become bad yourself, and you will be in danger of losing your soul.-St John Bosco

In confession there is mercy. Believe it firmly, do not doubt, do not hesitate, never despair of the mercy of God.-St Isidore of Seville

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