When Seeds Do Sprout

 

 Mk 4:26-34

The Parable of the Growing Seed

²⁶ He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. ²⁷ Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. ²⁸ All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. ²⁹ As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

³⁰ Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? ³¹ It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. ³² Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”

³³ With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. ³⁴ He did not say anything to them without using a parable. But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

If you have ever planted seeds you know what it is to wait, see them sprout and eventually produce their plants and fruit that nourish and delight us. Jesus uses the mustard seed, a tiny seed, to illustrate how his Word grows and bears nourishing fruit in those who believe and accept it. We can look back at St. Francis of Assisi, praying in what remained of the church of San Damiano and hearing the voice calling him to "Rebuild my Church which as fallen into ruins." Thus the Franciscans came to be and continue to build the Church around the world!...Or, St. Marcellin, being called to found a congregation of teaching Brothers 'to make Jesus known and loved." His answer to the call bears fruit now in 83 countries around the world!  "Small beginnings, greater ends", as the song by Donovan goes in the film, "Brother Sun, Sister Moon."  We are all capable of moving something small into something greater.  May we allow God to plant his seed in us and bear the fruit he will cultivate.

Bro. Rene

Dear God, here is my heart, plant your seed in it and let it bear fruit. Amen.