Tuesday, June 11, 2024

June 16, 2024, 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Readings: Ex. 17:22-24; 2 Cor. 5:6-10; Mk 4:26-34. 

We walk by Faith, not by Sight

1.     In today’s gospel, Jesus tells some parables concerning the kingdom of God. He compares the kingdom’s growth to seeds planted in the fields. Parables are short stories from everyday life that offer a surprising turn or reversal of expectations. A parable is defined as an earthly teaching with a heavenly meaning. The unusual twist in the story provokes reflection, inviting one to make decisions about how one might live in light of the truth hidden in the parable. We are told, “With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them.” (Mk. 4:33-34). These parables invite us to grasp that God’s kingdom germinates, grows, and matures without enhancement from visible external causes.

 

2.     Like a farmer who plants his seeds on a cultivated farm, we must be patient for the seeds to grow to maturity. We may not see the growth of the seed, but God will always give us a bountiful harvest. Because embedded in every seed is an imprint of the creator and, therefore, carries the future of a generation. Every egg carries the future offspring of its kind. A mango seed carries thousands of mango fruits to feed thousands and more. In the same way, every baby born today is a future father or mother; as the saying goes, a child is the father of a man. Therefore, we must raise our children with patience, care, and love so that they may become the people we will be proud of tomorrow. These stories invite us to believe in a hidden mystery at work in the universe.

  

3.      The parable did not tell us much about the time between seeding and harvesting. However, growth is taking place all the while, the harvest time – the consummation of God’s reign – must be near. As St. Paul tells us in the second reading, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense, according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil.” (2 Cor. 5:10). The seed of the kingdom was planted in our hearts on the day of Baptism. It was nurtured with the bread of life – the Body of Christ. We are to constantly water that seed with God’s word and good deeds while we wait patiently on God. Because we received the Word of God and enjoyed a life of grace, we must spread the word and bring others to God. Conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit, but we must do our part as missionary disciples, to preach the good news of salvation to everyone. Do not be disappointed that the fruit of your mission may not be immediately realized. Be patient, courageous, and hopeful! If things in your life do not go as planned, do not give up hope. Better days are around the corner. For “We walk by faith and not by sight.” God is with us we plan and he will give success to the work of our hands. Let us pray with the psalmist: “Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.”

 

4.     The readings remind me of the story of the Chinese Bamboo by Joel Weldon. According to Weldon, the strangest seed in the world is the seed of the Chinese bamboo tree. It lies buried in the soil for five years before any seedling or sprout appears above ground. Think about it! Five years! During these five years, the seed must be cultivated, watered, and fertilized regularly. Now comes the big surprise. When the bamboo seedling finally emerges from the ground, it grows to a height of 90 feet in just six weeks. Why does the seedling take so long to appear? Why does it grow so fast once it emerges? Plant experts say that the bamboo seed is busy building an elaborate root system during its first five years in the soil. This root system enables it to grow 90 feet in six weeks. This story teaches us lessons about patience, faith, perseverance, growth, development, and, most importantly, human potential. J.K. Rowling, Jeff Bezos, and Henry Ford did not become mega-successful entrepreneurs until their 40s. In his book, Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, Jim C. Collins writes, “The only truly reliable source of stability is a strong inner core and the willingness to change and adapt everything except that core.” Have faith in your dream. You might make mistakes, get frustrated, feel discouraged, and want to quit along the way, but remember what’s driving you. Believing in yourself helps others believe in you too. The seed of God’s kingdom is like the seed of the bamboo tree. It, too, takes a long time to emerge. The seed of God’s kingdom is building an elaborate root system inside us. And eventually, from this root system, something beautiful will grow.

 

5.     There are a few lessons for us today. Do not be afraid to plant your seeds, whatever they may be. Dream big dreams and work towards the actualization of those dreams. Be patient and wait. Be realistic about your dreams. Don’t ever give up, and do not quit. Do the daily things that will push you towards your dreams. Ignore those who try to discourage you and tell you that you will not succeed. Avoid such people; they are a hindrance to your success. Learn to conquer your fears and doubts. Have faith in yourself and have faith in God. Be willing to be a trailblazer and teach others to do the impossible. Keep at your dreams no matter how long they may take. Do not compare yourself to others; don’t be intimidated by your past mistakes and failures. You are a work in progress. God is not done with you yet. Be thankful for the blessings received and be hopeful for better days. Always believe that your tomorrow will be better than yesterday or today. Be Blessed!


Rev. Augustine Etemma Inwang, MSP. 

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