Growing the Kingdom of Heaven
Sisters and brothers,
In today’s gospel reading, we hear three parables that are a continuation of Matthew’s Chapter 13 theme of the gospel message ‘The Kingdom of Heaven.’ In all three parables, Jesus tells the apostles what the Kingdom of heaven is like, but he does not say what it is.
In the third parable, Jesus suggests that God is like a woman with her hands in the flour, “mixing in three measures of wheat flour,” enough for an extravagant loaf that would feed about 150 people! This is Matthew's only parable with a female image of God. It is also the only positive reference to leaven that causes fermentation and which usually symbolizes corruption. Given that, here is the challenge: as Jesus taught, the realm of God is permeated by those whom many "purists" might consider "corrupt"—the poor, the outcast, the marginalized—who will indeed be the active ingredient for the growth of the Kingdom. These are welcomed by Jesus, who was crucified and rose again to leaven and transform the world, and who still mixes with us and all our weaknesses and sinfulness. This parable not only challenges us to consider the feminine aspects of God's nature, but also to reflect on the ministry of women in the growth of the Kingdom.
With that in mind, I approached the leadership team of the Gabriel Project to solicit an update on that ministry. This is the reply:
Thank you, St. Rose parishioners, for your kind generosity in providing contributions—both material and cash—in support of the Gabriel Project. Your generosity has allowed us to assist 93 women and their newborns.
The Gabriel Project is an Archdiocesan initiative, where participating parishes agree to meet with pregnant women in crisis situations who have chosen life for their babies and desperately need items to care for their children. St. Rose parishioners have generously stepped forward many times since the project’s inception at St. Rose in January 2021. Thank you!
The Gabriel Project requires ongoing participation from parishioners for donations, and volunteers within the parish who are referred to as “Angels.” Our parishioner Angels meet with each mother, match their needs with specific items, and often assist in connecting them with additional community resources, including referring them to our St. Rose Food Pantry. Thank you for your many generous contributions and support for both efforts, helping countless families and children.
The Gabriel Project at St. Rose continues to grow in need and in service. In 2023 alone, we have assisted 28 women so far, and we currently have seven additional women that have requested our assistance who will be helped in the coming days and weeks. Should you wish to make a contribution or donation, or volunteer as an Angel, please contact the parish office. We are grateful for our parishioners’ continued generosity.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” – Matthew 25:35-36
Thank you for helping us provide for those in need, and in supporting life!
These are just a few of the many babies who have recently been provided with clothing and infant-care items through the generosity of St. Rose parishioners.
We as a parish should thank you all—leaders and Angels—for the wonderful work that you do to continue to build up the Kingdom of Heaven! A special thank you to Ana Zamarripa and Diane Summers for their contributions to this article.
May God bless this ministry, all those who work with it, and all those families touched by it.
Deacon Ed Herrera