Readings: Ex. 17:22-24; 2 Cor. 5:6-10; Mk 4:26-34.
Plant, Be Patient and Wait for the Harvest
1. In today’s gospel, Jesus tells us parables concerning the kingdom of God. He compares the growth of the kingdom to seeds that are planted in the fields. As we have reflected in the past, parables are short stories taken from everyday life that offer a surprising turn or reversal of expectations. Someone defines parables as earthly teachings with heavenly meaning. The unusual twist in the story provokes reflection, inviting its hearer to make a decision about how he or she might live in light of the truth revealed by 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. Like a farmer who plants his seeds in 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. Every mango seed carries within itself thousands of mango fruit that will feed thousands and more. In the same way, every baby boy or baby girl born today is a future father and mother, as the saying goes, ‘a child is the father of a man or a mother of a man and woman’, we must raise our children with patience, care and love so that they may become the kind of men and women we will be proud of. These stories invite us to believe in a hidden mystery at work in our midst.
2. The parable did not tell us much about the time between seeding and harvest. All the while, however, growth is taking place, and the time of harvest – 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 the word of God and with 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 know God. Conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit, but we must do our part and leave the rest to God. Do not be disappointed that you do not see the fruit of your mission immediately, Be patient, courageous and hopeful! It is easy to be disappointed about the attendance at Mass. Do not give up hope for better days. This was the message shared at the parish council meeting on Tuesday. For ‘we walk by faith and not by sight’ and so must keep on doing our best, knowing that Emmanuel is always with us. And so, with the psalmist we pray: “Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.”
3. The readings remind me of the story of the Chinese Bamboo by Joel Weldon. Weldon says that one of the strangest seeds in the world is the seed of the Chinese bamboo tree. It lies buried in the soil for five years before any seeding or sprout appears above ground. Think of it! Five years! During these five years the seed must be cultivated, that is, 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 emerge? Why does it grow so fast once it emerges? Plant experts say that during its first five years in the soil, the bamboo seed is busy building an elaborate root system. It’s this root system that enables it to grow 90 feet in six weeks. The seed of God’s kingdom is like the seed of the bamboo tree. It too takes a long time to emerge. This story reminds us that the seed of God’s kingdom is building an elaborate root system inside us. And eventually, from this root system, something beautiful will grow.
4.
There
are few lessons for us today. We must not be afraid to plant our 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 ever 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 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 trail blazer and teach others to do the impossible. Keep at
your dreams no matter how long it may take. Please do not compare yourself to
others and don’t be intimidated by your past mistakes and failures. Know that
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. Pray as if everything
depends on God and work as if everything depends on you. Always believe that
your tomorrow will be better than yesterday or today. Amen.
Rev. Augustine
Etemma Inwang, MSP.
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