Sunday, Jul 26th, 2026
Jesus put before the crowds another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; 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.” 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.” “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. “Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.” Matthew 13:31-33,44-52
There was a story about a couple who were dining at a restaurant near my hometown along the ocean and ordered oysters. They were there celebrating their anniversary and had a year that was not their happiest. Times had been tough. As the woman looked at her plate of raw oysters, she was astounded, for there was a huge pearl sitting right in the middle of her gooey, delicious appetizer. Everyone was amazed and gathered round. She was excited and terrified, wondering if she could keep it. Turned out it was worth tens of thousands of dollars after appraisal, and she was able to keep it. The kingdom of heaven here on earth is always surprising us, always giving us more than we can imagine and thrilling us with new gifts and challenges every day.
Wondrous Creator, who made pearls to spin in the sea
and waters and breeze to renew our hope in life itself.
Lord Jesus, make us both wise and curious so we might welcome you anew.
We often forget the gifts your give to us in each season
as we would rather have uninterrupted safe routine.
Lord Jesus, make us both wise and curious so we might welcome you anew.
Yet your kingdom is always both incredible gift and challenge
a world of hope in the darkness and light in the worst storms.
Lord Jesus, make us both wise and curious so we might welcome you anew.
Give us eyes to see the blessings sitting in front of us
help us to let go of the burdens we've gathered behind us.
Lord Jesus, make us both wise and curious so we might welcome you anew.
Make us strong enough to bear the weight of worry and fear
and soft enough to embrace the wonders each day holds.
Lord Jesus, make us both wise and curious so we might welcome you anew.
Make us citizens of your kingdom in these times of confusion
so we might shine with your light today an bear it forward always.
Lord Jesus, make us both wise and curious so we might welcome you anew. Amen.
