Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 4, 26-34
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.
The seed of the Kingdom is in your heart
1. The seed. Each of us carries something divine within—God’s presence. Whether this presence flourishes or remains as a dormant seed depends on us. Your spiritual life is just as vital as your physical and psychological well-being. Don’t let your spirit wither. Spiritual life isn’t limited to attending Mass or praying the rosary; it reaches further: it’s about listening to God’s voice within you, reflecting, learning more about your faith, and understanding yourself as God’s child. We must all learn to nurture the supernatural life that exists within us.
2. The smallest. This refers to the virtue or gift within us that leads us to help others and allows us to grow in true freedom. The small seed inside may be a talent or virtue, and it is meant to grow for the benefit of others. We are called to use it in service to those around us.
3. The kingdom is Jesus. It is Jesus’ presence in your life that enables the best within you to grow. The key to welcoming the kingdom into your heart is remaining united with God. How can you tell you are united with God? Here are a few signs: a supernatural outlook, joy, humility, and simplicity. Having a supernatural outlook means considering what God wishes to reveal to you in every situation. Joy means living with happiness as Jesus taught. Humility involves not seeking attention or trying to be the first and best. Finally, simplicity is pure and genuine charity—it is simply loving God.
Don’t forget that something good is on the way!
God bless you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
