A few weeks ago, I planted tomato plants. These small plants, I hope one day will grow to 4 or 5 feet high, producing delicious tomatoes throughout the summer. While I do my best to care for them, watering etc., much of the results are beyond my control. Like the farmer in today’s gospel, I must have patience and trust.
Today’s gospel from St. Mark contains different parables about the Kingdom of God. When we put all of the parables together, we get a better perspective about the Kingdom of God. The farmer knows that not all the seed sown will sprout and grow, despite his best efforts.
How the seed grows is a mystery to the farmer. He only sees the results. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.
Within our hearts, the seed of the Kingdom of God has been planted at our Baptism. Perhaps it seems like the tiny mustard seed that we hear about in today’s gospel. When it takes root in a heart open to the presence and action of God’s love in their life, it grows and grows. Like the farmer, we know not how it grows. We do know that we can help the growth through a life of prayer and service, especially to the least of the brothers and sisters in Christ and by receiving the sacraments. We trust God, in that although we don’t see growth or growth is slow, God is working in our lives – and we will bear fruit for His Kingdom.
On our part, we must cultivate the soil. One of the Penitential Rites at the beginning of Mass says: You come in Word and Sacrament to strengthen us in holiness. God is responsible for our growth in holiness.
We must avoid sin, which stunts or prevents this growth.
God told Cain that he could be the master of sin – so can we – only by the grace of God!
God bless us all always! Deacon Mike