By John Desing csc –
Readings: Heb 10:32-39; Mk 4: 26-34
We all know that the seed of the kingdom of God is sown in our hearts just as a farmer knows that the seed is sown and buried in the ground. No matter how small, sinful, unworthy, or incapable we may think of ourselves, God has sown his seed of love, peace, charity, and kindness in each one of us. Do we allow that seed to grow in our hearts by making choices that promote a kingdom of values and not of our own fancies? It takes a lot of time, energy, and labor for a plant to grow and yield its fruit. Likewise, to reap a harvest of joy and peace, we need to trust the process of transformation that we long for. St. Paul reminds us that confidence and endurance are indispensable tools to inherit God’s promises.
The joy of a farmer is not so much on the day of harvest but each and every moment he notices that the plant is growing steadily amidst the uncertainties of weather. We are invited to be delightful in our journey towards establishing God’s kingdom in spite of temptations for worldly pleasures that may give us momentary satisfaction. The psalmist also urges us to “Find delight in the Lord, who grants your heart’s desire” (Ps 37).
We have ample opportunities and resources to make a conducive ground for the seed to grow. We need to cut down the thorns and bushes of jealousy, pride, and self-righteousness from our lives so that the seed of goodness flourishes. We are living in a digital and consumeristic world where the values of the kingdom are being compromised even among the followers of Christ. Hence, it is important to realize that at the end of time only God’s kingdom will reign, the rest will collapse. God wants us to be part of his kingdom not because he needs us but because otherwise we are a kingdom without a True King.