Eleventh Sunday of the Year : B

"PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM"

First Reading: Eze. 17: 22-34
Second Reading: 2 Cor. 5:6-10
Gospel Reading: Mk. 4:26-34

   * First Reading is from the book of Prophet Ezekiel. The prophet predicts the downfall of Jerusalem. He compares the King and the people of Judah to a small cutting of a tall tree which God will take and plant on Mount Zion. Thus the prophet gives hope of restoration that will be brought about by a member of the chosen race : that is the Messiah, who will set up a universal Kingdom.

   * Second Reading is from the second letter of St. Paul to Corinthians . Paul asks the Corinthians to be courageous in the face of death. He says that his priority at all times is to please the Lord. Hence he has no fears of appearing before the Lord. They too by pleasing the Lord can expect the reward at the end of their lives.

"The Kingdom of God... is like a Grain of Mustard Seed"

Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of God through two parables. In the first parable, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to what happens when seed is sown by a farmer . Once the seed is sown, he waits for harvest time. The cycle of growth follows but the farmer does not know how it happens. Apparently nothing seems to be happening yet the miracle of growth is taking place. Just as the harvest comes its own time, so the Kingdom will reach its completion in God's appointed time. It is God's Kingdom not of our own making.
In the second parable , Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed which is very small in size but grows into a large shrub which gives shelter to birds of the air. In this parable Jesus makes a contrast between the smallness of the seed and the luxurious growth of the plant. Small beginnings can make for mighty achievements. Littleness is no index of importance in God's Kingdom. The small mustard seed grows to become a shelter of the birds of the air.
So also the Kingdom of  God grows slowly to envelop the whole world. In the same way, no matter how small our efforts may be , as small as a mustard seed, to promote christian values, God will multiply them with his hidden power to bring about wonderful  results.
We may not necessarily see those results immediately, but Jesus' parables are a promise that they will happen in our own times.
As the saying goes:
            "Where will tomorrow's trees come from?

             From the shoots we plant today

             Where will tomorrows justice and peace get their start?

             From the seeds we sow with our hearts today."