SUNDAY- 11^TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME -B

I Reading: Ezekiel 17:22-24

II Reading: 2Corinthians 5:6-10

Gospel: Mark 4: 26-34

The Parable of the Growing Seed: The Growth of Believers, 4:26-29

This parable tells what happens to the fruitful seed in the parable of the Sower or Soils (Mk 4:1-20). It describes how the seed goes about growing, and the process through which it passes. The seed is the Gospel and the ground is the good soil, the believer individually or the church collectively. There are four things said about the fruitful seed once it has taken root, but the major point is that growth is sure; it is inevitable. Once the Gospel has taken root in the heart of a believer, growth will take place. The believer will grow spiritually. This is the great promise of God, the great assurance and confidence, the great hope and encouragement to every believer.

1.     The parable: describes the kingdom (v.26)

2.     The seed is sown by a man (v.26)

3.     The growth is not of man (v.27)

4.     The growth is sure and constant, but gradual (v.28)

5.     The growth is consummated and harvested (v.29)

The Parable of the Mustard Seed: The Growth of God’s Kingdom, 4:30-32

Jesus is describing the growth and greatness of his kingdom, that is, of Christianity. He shows how Christianity begins as the smallest of seeds and grows into the greatest of movements. It is a powerful message to all. The seed of faith begins ever so small in the Baptism and nourishes day by day to the fullness of joy and happiness with the Lord.

Thought: The growth of a tree from a small seed is nothing compared to the growth of a person who truly comes to know Christ nor to the growth of a church that is truly committed to the mission of Christ (John 12: 24).

Thought: The genuine believer (good soil) can rest assured: he is truly God’s child, and God will complete the work of grace in his/her life. The grace of God planted in a person’s heart is unstoppable. The believer’s confidence is in God, not in his/her own flesh and weak efforts. Therefore there is no reason for being down or discouraged, withdrawn and depressed.

Growth requires much patience and trust. Growth is of God, and the believer is to trust and to wait upon God for growth. What an encouragement to believers!

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