“I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon an high mountain…” (Ezekiel 17:22)
For today’s readings, consult AELF – June 16, 2024.
The theme of the Kingdom of God is at the heart of today’s readings. Jesus came to inaugurate this more just and fraternal world, laying its foundations without completing its establishment. Under the guidance of the Spirit, this task falls to his disciples, their successors, and to us.
Working for the Kingdom is the important mission Jesus entrusts to us, but it can also sometimes discourage us.
Indeed, from a human perspective, we do not always see the advent of the values of faith, sharing, family, peace, and hope. Quite the contrary. Vocational shortages, scandals troubling the Church, climate crises, health and political crises leading to increases in violence, all of these do not paint a very bright picture.
Is our contribution to the building of God’s Kingdom too weak? Should we double our efforts? Today’s gospel answers these questions.
Without advocating for laxity, Jesus teaches us through two small parables that the growth of the Kingdom is not entirely dependent on us:
“Night and day, whether the man sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how” (Mark 4:27).
Indeed, God himself watches over the coming of his Kingdom, which infinitely surpasses all our human reigns.
Moreover, to sharpen our attention, Jesus further explains that the sower does not notice the growth of the seeds he has planted. While we may mention reasons for discouragement, there are also profound signs of improvement that should sustain our hope.
For example, the climate crisis has sparked a strong ecological awareness among a large majority. This strong sense of solidarity towards nature and future generations fits perfectly into God’s plan and our mission as guardians of His Creation.
So, without ceasing to carry this fire within us, let us rejoice in these advances of the Kingdom of God, which is indeed growing, even if we do not fully understand how.
Ezekiel 17:22-24 / 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 / Mark 4:26-34
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