Mark 4:26-34
26 He also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, 27 and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. 28 The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.”
30 He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”
33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; 34 he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.
Growing in Faith and Life
The fourth chapter of St. Mark's Gospel tells us about God's Kingdom and how to grow within.
Mark 4:1-9 Parable of the Sower
Mark 4:30-34 Parable of Mustard Seed
Today's teaching about the growth of a seed invites us to reflect on God's love, His will and the aim He has for each of us to grow up in Faith, Hope and Charity.
Jesus is speaking to an agrarian society who have full experience with the land. They belong to their land, which is dear to them. They are attached to their land and gain their survival from it. Those of us who have a garden, never mind how big or small it is, may read this Gospel in its reality. Reflect upon your own growth in the Kingdom, assisted by a grain planted in your own inner field.
Here are a few points to help us reflect upon this teaching.
The newly planted seed is not perceived, but still growing. It needs time and patience.
All plant stems grow toward the light, and thus the heart of every human being has a natural compass that points in the direction of the light.
Once the seed grows, it needs appropriate and continuing care with perseverance.
The ripe fruits rejoice the farmer's heart.
How do we keep growing in our faith?
Diligence in the daily reading of Scriptures;
Reflection, meditation and prayers with the passages read;
Sharing and sharpening our understanding of what we read, trying to deepen our own understanding with other faithful people, as diamond sharpens diamond;
Remaining faithful to our personal prayers and to prayers with the Church community;
Sharing the fruits of our growth with others through different services and unperceived charity, as the Lord says to us "Let your left hand not know what your right hand has done" Matthew 6:3; and
Expanding your faith education with consecrated time for Christian reading in addition to the Scriptures.
We are planted in God's garden to grow up in the direction of the Light. Offer time and energy to care for your faith. It rejoices God's will and produces enjoyable fruits that may also rejoice the heart of you, the farmer. May we try to be the seed that grows according to His teaching.