Share the Word

1 Kings 3:5-12

Introduce the reading by displaying a figure contemplating a pearl, sitting beside ‘the cup of salvation’. Say that, ‘The pearl is of great value to the figure; but is that value more or less than that of their salvation?’

Then before the reader begins, say, ‘In our reading today, God asks the young Solomon what gift he would like God to give him. Listen carefully to how Solomon answers and think what gift or quality you would like God to give you – and why.’

Matthew 13:31-33,44-52

Take some tiny seeds in your hand to show around; or pass round a bag of the seeds and invite people to take a few. Invite people to think about the seeds and what they can become: ‘Mustard plants can grow up to six metres high and wide. At the time of Jesus, Pliny the Elder wrote that they were valued for being good for the health with their pungent taste. They were also seen as a weed. Once they were sown, it was difficult to stop them, because the seeds germinated almost at once. As you listen to the Gospel reading, notice how the images described affect your heart. If not a seed, what image would you choose to describe the reign or kingdom of God?’