Friday, January 29, 2016

Reflection: Mark 4:26-34



Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time – Mark 4:26-34

In the opening words of this Gospel, Jesus says, “This is how it is with the Kingdom of God.” Jesus then uses the image of a man who scatters seed on his land.  After doing so, the man goes about his business, leaving the seeds to do what is natural for them: sprout and grow.  Then when the grain is mature, the man harvests his crop. 

Jesus gives his listeners another example from nature to describe the “Kingdom of God”.  This time the image that he uses is that of a mustard seed.  A mustard seed is very tiny, yet when the seed grows, it produces a huge plant.  The plant is so big that many birds come and nest in its branches.  Mark writes, “With such parables, Jesus spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it, but to his own disciples, he explained everything in private.”

Today I invite you to be attentive to the “mustard seeds” in your life.  Those tiny seeds will sprout and grow if, and only if, you nurture them.  And who knows:  the fruit of that tiny seed may be food, shelter, or hope for someone who is in need.

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