SUNDAY JUNE 16, 2024
SUNDAY OF THE ELEVENTH WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME B
Ezekiel 17:22-24
2 Corinthians 5:6-10
Mark 4:26-34
PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD AS DESIGNED BY GOD.
The imagery of planting, sowing, harvesting is dominant in today’s readings. And Jesus likens the kingdom of God to these processes. Jesus talks about the smallest seed, then follows the growth process and then the harvesting time. Jesus draws our attention to the patience we need and the gradual growing up of the tree whose direction, growth and seeding is not within the competence or direct control of the farmer.
So beginning with the seed, the fields and the growth patterns, these whole process is basically within the competence and direct influence of God the owner of the vineyard. Man cannot claim ownership of these at all. They belong to God alone and geared towards his purpose in life.
This point is better captured in the first reading of today. The actions of God in creation is enormous and very extraordinary. No one can take his place. God orders all things according to his pleasure, his plans and his designs. He has planned the whole of creation and directs their movement and the cause of their actions.
Plants grow at his prompting, and seeds are made by his commands. God wills all creation to follow their natural cause and actions as determined by him. In all these, there is harmony in creation, there is concord in nature and there is fruitfulness and productivity in creation. Nothing happens without his knowledge and nothing goes outside God’s designs.
But all are designed for a definite purpose, the praise of his glory and the sanctification of man. So man has a special place and role in creation. Man is billed to bring about the expected kingdom of God. God’s kingdom is God’s reign in our midst and God’s glory to the earth.
The gospel passage recalls for us that the smallest seed is likened to the kingdom of God. Because it grows until it brings about the big shrub to shelter the birds of heaven and give shelter to human beings too. Even though it is the smallest of all.
Our value is not in being idle or being unproductive. God has designed that everyone of his creation no matter how insignificant has been designed to contribute significantly to the overall intent and purpose of creation.
No one is not without value and importance in life. Everyone has a place in creation. Even what the world considers a “nuisance”, has nuisance value. So in spite of ones insignificance, each person had the great potential of becoming a great shrub, a great help and gives higher value in the overall interest.
No one should be looked upon as weak, or of no consequence or insignificant. And no one is useless in creation. The more insignificant one looks the greater the value of that person.
We see in life human categorization. For example, Man has the culture of choosing for themselves the most recognized job professions, the most influential position in life or career that seems lucrative according to human reckoning. But before God, indeed all are important and necessary. And none must be despised, dispensed with or declare insignificant.
But the big question is, are we ready and willing to be used, to be of value and worth to our world and humanity? What are we contributing to the harmony, goodness, progress and happiness of all in creation?
The second parable talks about the growth process. Every person who desires to add value to creation must be patient, respectful and accept the gradual growth and progression of creation. We must not be in a haste to grow or reap the harvest. The building up of the kingdom of God admits of processes and progressions. We must allow this processes and progressions to fall into place. A child that becomes an adult or becomes wealthy is an anomaly.
In an era where there is so much haste, so much hurry, so much fastness in things, we must rather allow the cause of nature and patiently wait for it to take its place. Building up the kingdom of God needs a lot of patience, endurance and fortitude.
Overall interest of Christ is to admonish us on the need to allow time to heal ourselves by following the rhythm of the cause of events in nature. As against the whole situation of our modern world where we expect rapid response to things, miraculous expectation, fast manifestations, and even extraordinary situations at all times, Jesus cautions us to watch and work with God as he unfolds his purpose in creation.
Christ wants that we develop a sense of being patient, being persistent and awaiting that things grow organically from the existing ones.
So will also the kingdom of God grow too. It is not to be forced or to be expected to progress rapidly, but rather gradually. So also is the spiritual life we live, we must build it gradually from step to step, from one glory to a higher one.
In building such kingdom, we must contribute adequately our own quarters and leave all others for God. Our own quarter is to be conscious of the fact that we are supposed to grow, and then we give in to accepting the conditions necessary for spiritual growth. This step will help enhance greater growth in life.
In summary, Saint Paul urges us to walk rather by faith not by sight. Faith in the God we serve who orders all things in the world and faith in ourselves commissioned to work with God for the betterment of creation. Faith in trusting that together with God and by God’s leading we will build up God’s kingdom on earth.
Heavenly Father, the world is yours and you rule over all. Help us to contribute our part in the growth of your kingdom. May we respect, uphold and value others no matter how insignificant they may be. Grant us a docile, generous and faithful heart to consciously and decisively further your kingdom through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
