September 2013 Kingdom Parables

During September, October and November we will be looking at all of the parables which are recorded in the Gospels. In September we begin with the parables of the Kingdom. These early parables, mostly found in Matthew’s Gospel, set the scene of the way in which God is at work: The Kingdom is found to be at work everywhere, always, and for all (rather than in some places, at some times and for some people) – this is what the word catholic means The Kingdom is, at times, unseen and small (like a seed buried in the ground) – it is a bit of a mystery. However mysterious the Kingdom is, it is active – it really works (like a seed growing into a plant). It is not a virtual reality- - it makes a difference. The Kingdom exists in a hostile environment (with, for example, weeds and birds to contend with). The Kingdom requires a response (whether positive or negative).

The particular parables included in our Study of the Parables of the Kingdom are: Lamp/Seed (Mark 4:10-12,21-29) on Sunday 1st Sept Treasure/Pearl (Matthew 13:44-46) on Thursday 5th Sept Mustard/Leaven (Matthew 13:31-35) on Sunday 8th Sept Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30,36-43) on Sunday 15th Sept Net/Householder (Matthew 13:47-52) on Thursday 19th September Sower (Matthew 13:1-9,18-23) on Sunday 22nd Sept