Humility in Community

This week’s gospel reading from Matthew (13:24-30) is part of what can be called "The Sermon on the Lake". In this sermon Matthew has Jesus talk about the nature of God, God's faithfulness expressed in the Realm of Heaven, and how we are to live faithfully in this realm, as opposed in the realm of Rome. This week’s parable and it's brief explanation (added later) is all about living with this tension of two realms. We face the same tensions today. Where do our true allegiances lie and what comes first in our decision making? 

Matthew's community, like the churches in Rome, were in conflict. To this conflict Matthew talks about recognizing the entwined roots that bind us together whether we like it or not. It speaks of trusting God to sort it out, and rather than proving who is best or right; and learning to recognize that what gives life to us also gives life to those we struggle with, and what harms them harms us. As we learn this, we see that both Matthew and Paul invite humility.