Jesus said to the crowds: “This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.”
He said, “To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” 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, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.
REFLECTION
“This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how."
Our kitchen drawers are usually where we put things when we are cleaning. I came across some flower wildlife seeds in packages. It was not the time of the year nor the season, nor was the ground ready for seed planting but I went ahead, sprinkled the seeds all around the pecan tree. And then quite promptly forgot about them.
A month or so later I noticed flowers, hardy plants growing. Red, white and yellow flowers that seem to have survived neglect, watering, feeding or a good planting. Brought a smile to me as I love gardening and I saw plants doing what they are supposed to do...grow, flower and bring enjoyment.
The plants had grown quietly and steadily, hidden from my sight, and now were strong plants with many leaves and flowers.
Today's Gospel reminds us that the Kingdom of God is like a small tiny seed, simple at first but then with patience and faith, it grows quietly inside our hearts and those around us. We don't know if our words, deeds, patience, care, love have affected people, but it does happen. Other than that is what we should do, many of us don't realize that we are spreading the Kingdom of God by little acts of kindness and love. Nourished by God and watered by our prayers we can trust that the Kingdom of God will grow--little by little, day by day until it becomes something wonderful.
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