11TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Ezekiel 17:22-24

Psalm 91:1-3.13-16

2 Corinthians 5:6-10

Mark 4:26-34

TINY BEGINNING, BIG FUTURE 

The readings of today present us with various parables about the power of God and the dynamics of his Kingdom; and at the same time, they challenge us to be patient and hopeful in life. In fact, it takes a long time for a young cedar to take root on a mountain, grow and become a magnificent tree (Ez. 17:22-24)! It takes time for a seed sown in the ground to germinate, to yield the blade, then little by little the ear and finally fruits! It takes a long time for a tiny mustard seed to spring up, grow and to become the largest of plants providing shade to the birds (Mark 4:26-34). In any of these cases, the power of God is always at work in a mysterious way.

We need therefore to allow God to work in our lives and be patient while we wait for the harvest time. The germination and growth of the seed of greatness and excellence sown in us can be slow in our eyes. It may seem to take too long to reap the rewards of our efforts and toils.

But Saint Paul reminds us that in a time of waiting for the harvest, we are to work and walk “by faith and not by sight”. For we are like exiled in this life, like pilgrims far from home. As such, we are to be always courageous and move on even when the journey becomes wearing. Whether we are at home or away, we should aspire to please God.

Therefore, as disciples of Christ, let us concentrate on sowing the seed and cultivating our own little field; God will take care of the rest. Let us never give up and get weary as we await the harvest time, the hour of recompense. Let us always remember that great things often have tiny and insignificant beginnings; and that God is leading us from our nothingness and smallness to greatness. May he grant us faith and hope to be patient and wait for the realization of his plans for us. Amen.