PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
First Reading: Ezekiel 17: 22-34
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5: 6-10
Gospel Reading: Mark 4: 26-34
* First reading is from the book of Prophet Ezekiel. The Prophet speaks about 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 Ezekiel gives hope of restoration of the Kingdom that will be brought about by a member of the chosen race. He also mentions that in future Messiah (the anointed one) will set up a universal Kingdom.
* Second reading is from the second letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul exhorts the Christians in Corinth to be courageous in the face of death. He tells them and us that his priority at all times is to please the Lord. Hence he has no fears of appearing before the Lord. He exhorts them and us to lead a life pleasing to the Lord at all times so that they/we can expect the reward at the end of their/our lives.
The Kingdom of God .......is like a grain of mustard seed. Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. Jesus speaks about the Kingdom of God through two parables related to agriculture. In the first parable Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a seed sown by a farmer. Once the seed is sown the farmer waits patiently for the harvest time. The cycle of growth follows. The farmer does not know how it takes place. Apparently nothing seems to be happening. Yet the miracle of growth takes place. Just as the harvest comes in 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 various birds of the air. In the parable Jesus makes a contrast between the smallness of the seed and the luxurious growth of the plant. It reminds us that small beginnings can make for mighty achievements. Littleness is no index of importance in God's Kingdom. Saints like St. Theresa of Child Jesus and St. Francis of Assisi are prime examples of that. The small mustard seed grows to become a shelter for the birds. 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 the values of Jesus - God will multiply them with His hidden power to bring about wonderful and unimaginable results. All we nee to do is to trust in the power of God. We may not necessarily see those results immediately. But Jesus assures us through these parables 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 tomorrow's justice and peace get their start? From the seeds we sow with our hearts today." Let the grain of mustard seed grow to shelter the birds of the air!
"I never lose an opportunity of urging a practical beginning however small, for it is wonderful how often in such matters the mustard-seed germinates and roots itself." - Florence Nightingale
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