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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