PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
First Reading: Ezekiel 17: 22-24
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5: 6-10
Gospel Reading: Mark 4: 26- 34
*First reading is from the book of Prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel speaks about the imminent downfall of Jerusalem. He compares the King and the people of Judah to a small cutting of a tall tree which the Lord God will take and plant on Mount Zion. Hence, the Prophet gives hope of restoration of the Kingdom that will be brought about by a member of the chosen race. He 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 Christian community at Corinth to be courageous in the face of persecutions and even death. He tells them and us that his priority at all times is to please the Lord. Hence, he has no fear of appearing before the Lord. He pleads with them and us to lead a life pleasing to the Lord at all times so that they/we can expect due 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 gives His teachings about the Kingdom of God through two wonderful parables from the agricultural scenario. 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 gradually unfolds. The farmer does not know how it takes place. Jesus concludes the parable and tells us that, just as the harvest comes in its own time, so the Kingdom will reach its completion in God's appointed time. It is for us to realize that it is God's Kingdom not of our own making. In the second parable, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a tiny mustard seed which is very small in size but when sown, it grows into a large shrub, which gives shade and shelter to various birds of the air. In the parable, Jesus contrasts between the smallness of the seed and the luxurious growth of the plant. It reminds us that, small beginnings can make for mighty and great achievements. He assures us that littleness is no index of importance in God's Kingdom. Great saints like St. Theresa of Child Jesus and St. Francis of Assisi are prime examples of this fact. The small mustard seed grows to become a shelter for many birds. Jesus promises us that the Kingdom of God grows slowly and steadily to envelop the whole world. In the same way, no matter how small our efforts may be - as small as that of a mustard seed to promote the values of the Kingdom God - God will multiply them with His hidden and mysterious power to bring about wonderful and unimaginable results. All we need to do is to put the tiny seed in suitable soil and 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 certainly happen. 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! St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta said once: "We can do no great things, only small things with great love." Florence Nightingale said: "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." May the good and loving Lord bless you all and inspire you to plant seeds of peace, love and justice everyday of your lives. Amen.
(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph -on Google search. Thanks.)
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