The first of the three is the parable of the wheat and the weeds. The meaning is rather obvious. This farmer wants to throw out the weeds right away. He is warned, however, that throwing out the weeds may do damage to the wheat. He is advised to wait and let them grow together and at the harvest things will be sorted out.
It seems to me that in our present climate people are quick to identify weeds and seek to get rid of them. You know what I mean. People are getting shot over wearing or not wearing masks. Property is getting destroyed. The parable is a reminder that we often need to wait and let God be the judge. This doesn't mean that justice can't be pursued and crime can't be punished. It does mean that we would be well advised not to so quickly put people into categories and then dismiss them easily.
The other two parables give us messages of hope and encouragement. The mustard seed, we are told, is the smallest of seeds but it grows and becomes a large shrug in which the birds come to nest.
The parable of the yeast in the dough is similar. A little yeast makes the dough rise. the Kingdom of God is like this. The little mustard seeds and the bit of dough make great things happen. Sometimes we think that our efforts or those of someone else are too meager. Often it's not the grand plans and endeavors that make a difference but the little things we do that allow the Kingdom of God to burst forth among us.
The kingdom of heaven, of God, is not just where we hope to go after death it is rather the bursting forth of justice, of love, of peace in this life as well. We have many issue to face, taking care of this pandemic, racial justice, excessive violence among them. Perhaps the little things that we can do now will bear great fruit when this time has passed.
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