THE SLEEK AND THE STRONG
In the 6th century B.C., the political situation in the Middle East was highly volatile. The Hebrew prophets anticipated a coming day of judgment. The rich and powerful – the sleek and the strong – of Israel would be sentenced by God. The description of the trial is similar to that pictured by Jesus in today's Gospel. God judges between rams (sheep) and goats.
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FIRST-FRUITS
Paul teaches the doctrine of Original Sin. The sins of the first humans established a hereditary corruption in society. Jesus reversed this pattern by his obedience to his Father. Paul likens it to a harvest.
Hebrews reserved the earliest plants–or "First Fruits" as sacrifices for God. This was thought to insure that the rest of the crops would be bountiful.
In this sense Jesus is the start of harvest of souls for heaven.
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