This Sunday we return to Ordinary Time and, as we are in Cycle B, most often our Gospel proclamations will be drawn from Mark.
In the chapter we hear from, chapter 4, there are two parables of seeds; both are about the Kingdom but the metaphors are decidedly mixed.
The parable of the mustard seed, proclaimed this Sunday, is unique to Mark; it is not found in any of the other Gospels. It encourages us to persevere in sharing Christ with others even when we do not see results. The kingdom of God does not always grow the way we think it should nor at the rate we would prefer.
The first thing we learn from this parable is that if we want to see God’s kingdom grow – we must plant seeds. This is the most basic step when it comes to gardening. If we leave out this step, no matter what else we do, we will never harvest a crop!
So how does God’s kingdom grow? It begins with planting seeds. From the first parable found in this same chapter (4:3-20) we see that planting seeds means sharing God’s word with others; no seeds, no plants, no growth!
The passage goes on to make another equally important point. God will make the seeds grow. So even though it may look like nothing is happening it may be because we can’t see what is going on beneath the soil. Paul knew this: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth”. (1 Corinthians 3:6)
As faithful disciples we persevere in sharing the truth of the Good News and trust that the Holy Spirit will transform truth into growth and eventual fruit!
Be rooted in the Word!
Yvonne Gill
Director of Adult Formation