Mark 4: 26-34
Jesus said to the crowds, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.”
He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”
With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Faith Multiplied
Jesus uses the mustard seed as an example of great hidden potential. Think of the gift of faith as a spiritual mustard seed. It is a common feeling that one’s faith is as small as a mustard seed. Yet, when seeking a deeper relationship with God, that small seed of faith can expand and grow in the rich soil of one’s heart. The seed of faith grows by being watered with the words of scripture and the grace of the sacraments, especially Holy Communion.
When the seed of faith expands, so does the Kingdom of God. God’s Kingdom is not exclusive, it is welcoming to those in need of God’s mercy and shelter. Each small act of mercy and each kind word is multiplied hour by hour, and day by day, helping spread the good news of God’s love and concern.
—Russ Long is a Montessori educator, teacher-trainer, and writer. He attends St. Peter Catholic Church, the Jesuit parish in the Diocese of Charlotte, NC.
Prayer
Christ has no body but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours.
Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassionately on this world.
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good.
Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands.
Yours are the feet.
Yours are the eyes.
You are his body.
Christ has no body now but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours.
Yours are the eyes with which he looks compassionately on this world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
Amen.
—St. Teresa of Avila
Pray with the Pope
Pray with the monthly prayer intentions of the pope.