Ezekiel 17:22-24
Psalm 91:1-3.13-16
2Corinthians 5:6-10
Mark 4:26-34
FROM TINY BEGINNINGS...
The readings of today present us with various parables about the Kingdom of God. These parables apply to the Church, which from a tiny beginning amidst persecutions, has grown big and filled all the earth. The Church continues to provide shelter and hope to millions of people. However, these parables may also apply to each one of us. They challenge us to become insiders, that is disciples of Christ, so as to get the privileged explanation of these parables.
Two parables are given by Jesus in the gospel reading. In the first parable, the Kingdom of God expands and bears fruits whether we cooperate or not, for God himself is at work. God himself cares for the seed, from its sowing till harvest time. In the second one, from tiny beginnings, the mustard seed grows so big that it provides shelter to birds.
These are parables of hope and encouragement. God is actively present in our lives, working for our growth. Like the branch of the cedar in the first reading, God cares for us (Ez. 17:22-24). If we allow him to take charge, we will grow like a Lebanon cedar, flourish and bear fruits even when we are old, because we are always in his presence.
We need therefore to be patient. The slowness of the germination of the seed of greatness planted in us must not discourage us. In this life, we are like exiled, far from home. We are in a journey. And in this journey, St. Paul tells us, we walk by faith and not by sight. We must have the confidence that we are not alone. God is leading us from our nothingness and smallness to greatness. He has great plan for each one of us.
May he open our eyes of faith to wait with patience for the realization of his plans for us.
Amen.
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