Mark
4:26-34
“The
Kingdom of God is like. . .”
11th
Sunday Ordinary Time
I
was curious to see how big a mustard plant could grow, so I “Googled” Mustard
Plant (ya’ gotta’ love the internet – the
whole world at your fingertips). There
were several photos showing a rather rambling, unruly, very large bushy
plant. Some were over 10 feet tall, some
looked tree-like. I was interested to see that they all appeared to be their
own habitat environment; supporting not only nesting birds, but other animals
could seek shady homes or refuge from the harsh climate. All-in-all, the mustard plant is quite
amazing. It not only serves as home and
shelter, but it is edible too. I love
mustard on hotdogs!
The
mustard plant also serves as a great metaphor for the kingdom of God, but
before we go there let’s look at the first parable of the farmer and the seed.
As
far as gardening goes, I fall into the category of “accidental grower”. I have house plants that grow and flower
despite my interference. I provide water
on an irregular basis, dust them off occasionally and, when I remember, I open
the shades to let in sunlight. How my plants not only survive, but thrive is a
mystery to me. I believe it is only
through God’s grace that they grow.
Jesus’
parable of the farmer and the seed is like the church, especially today. Who does not know of the trials of the church
in today’s world.
- Rampant secularism,
- government interference,
- scandals that undermine trust,
- internal turmoil and
controversies,
- declining attendance at mass,
- lack of understandings of church
teaching and
- an abandoning of belief, not only
in the teachings of the church,
- but in the very existence of God:
All
these and more make the future appear bleak for the church we know and love.
But
we, the faithful, should be like the farmer who sleeps and rises, night and day
– ever faithful and regular – day in and day out - in prayer, - practice - and
participation in the Holy Church. In
being so, we sow the seeds of faith through our prayer, - practice, - and
participation. Jesus calls us to preach the
Word of God to everyone we meet: teaching the Gospel always and if necessary,
using words, to quote St. Augustine.
God
works in mysterious ways and according to His timetable. We are not to worry or fret, but rely on the
Holy Spirit to bring God’s kingdom on earth into the next age.
He
makes the seed sprout and rise, not we.
He brings forth the grain and the fruit; providing for all his children:
as he feeds the birds of the air, - the creatures in the sea - and the beasts
of the forest.
Where
the church is heading is part of God’s plan.
He provides the rain to soften the soil.
He nourishes the ground to feed the seed. He prunes the branches; cutting away those
unproductive and dead branches off the living vine, so it will bring forth healthy
fruit, and bring it forth more abundantly.
The
phrase, “Birds of the air” was an old Jewish term used to describe the Gentiles. Those who were not descendants of the tribes
of Israel were known as “birds of the air.”
I’m not sure, but it may have been because they were not tied to the
Promised Land. But this phrase puts a
different spin on the second parable of the mustard seed.
Jesus
tells us in this parable that the love of God is so great that if only a small
part of it was used, a part the size of a mustard seed, it would grow into this
enormous bush, “so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.”
This
is evidence that God’s love is for all people, not just for the tribes
Israel. Jesus is letting the people know
that all his beloved children can find a home – a place of rest and refuge - in
God’s house. His love excludes no one,
but invites all to come into the shade of his love and find rest.
- Again, God works in mysterious
ways. He brings about His kingdom -
which is enduring and everlasting.
He asks us to remain strong in our faith;
- continuing to sleep and rise,
- night and day,
- remaining ever faithful:
- To pray, practice, participate
and, especially to preach the Word of God.
God’s
love provides shade for all his beloved children; He builds a house with many
rooms in His
everlasting kingdom of life.
Peace,
Deacon Don
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