By Arun D. csc –
Readings: Ezek 17: 22-24; 2 Cor 5: 6-10; Mk 4: 26-34
The Kingdom of God is all inclusive, and all are equal before God.
In the first reading, we see God who nurtures and gives growth to his people just like a gardener takes care of a tree. The images of the tree illustrate how God’s people flourish, nourish, and prosper at his hands. We only need to surrender before the eternal gardener to prune us in ways he wants us to be.
Through the second reading, St. Paul encourages the faithful to please God by the works of the Spirit and be courageous in life because in flesh we are weak. The gospel presents two beautiful parables where Jesus tells us the mysterious ways in which the kingdom of God grows just as the seeds grow in secret as the Lord gives growth. The parable of the seeds teaches us that even our littleness is valuable before God.
The little things of life have the potency to develop to give the greatest results since God is the author of such accomplishments. My resources, be it my talent, time, or income may seem small or insignificant; still they can become powerful means for the growth of God’s Kingdom. All of us are a part of the Kingdom of God and each one has a role to play, however small it may be. The Lord demands our faithfulness and availability. He constantly nourishes and gives us growth. We need to be open to receive the pruning of the eternal gardener from time to time so that we may bear fruit in abundance.