It is the middle of the growing season, and we have Scriptures about growth today. The first reading (Ezekiel 17:22-24) describes God’s power to make trees spring up for the birds of the air. Our Gospel (Mark 4:26-34) combines two parables, one about grain growing and the other about a mustard seed becoming a huge plant that shelters birds. Jesus grew up in Galilee, the farming area of Israel. He liked to use growth images in his teaching — seed scattered by a sower, grapes on vines, fig trees, harvests, weeds and wheat. We know we have to be patient and wait as the kingdom grows, but we also need to see it! Recently I asked a committee, as part of the opening prayer, to identify where, in their lifetimes, they had seen the kingdom growing. A wide variety of examples were shared and appreciated! Can you see that kingdom growth too? Give thanks today for that growth and for the growth that has happened in you over the course of your lifetime!
– Blog entry by Sister Mary Garascia