When we hear the word "mystery" we are inclined to think of something that is difficult, if not impossible, to understand. In the New Testament, however, it rather has the meaning of a plan or programme of God that was once hidden and unknown but is now revealed.

The "mystery of the kingdom of God" referred to in today's Gospel is the fact that God has a plan for our salvation which necessarily involves the death of Christ. This we can say was not only unrevealed but was difficult to understand too. Difficult to understand, or maybe better, difficult to accept.

Hence we have four differing reactions. Some who become aware of such a plan react with a kind of angry contempt. The merest hint of failure disgusts them. For them success, influence, power and money so harden their minds and hearts that nothing else can find root in them.

Others who hear Christ's programme of life may, at first find it admirable and even attractive. Some, though, as the less favourable implications of the Christian life impinge on their unrecognised compulsions, needs and obsessions quietly revert to a less demanding way of life.

The good, noble longings in the hearts of others may be imperceptibly stifled by a growing experience of the comforts and joys of a prosperous life style.

Finally, some who hear the "mystery" allow its power to lead them to live lives of simplicity, humility, thoughtfulness, fairness, self forgetfulness, trust and sacrifice. In God's grace they live a kind of fruitful death.