Eleventh Sunday of the Year (Year B)

Eleventh Sunday of the Year June 16, 2024

Ezekiel 17:22-24; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10; Mark 4:26-34

(image courtesy:Google)

One of the strangest seeds in the world is the seed of the Chinese bamboo tree. It lies buried in the earth for five years before any seedling or sprout appears above ground. All during these five years the seed must be cultivated, that is, watered and fertilized regularly. Now comes the big surprise. In six weeks, the Chinese bamboo tree grows to a staggering ninety feet tall! Why does the seedling take so long to emerge? Why does it grow so fast once it emerges? Plant experts say that during its first five years in the soil the bamboo seed is busy building an elaborate root system.

Does our faith have deep roots? How can we know?

What is the root system that sustains us daily? Today, we observe Jesus selecting apt metaphors to depict the kingdom of God, reminding us that we, too, must seek fresh imagery to represent our vision of God's kingdom.

Jesus narrates the tale of a farmer who planted a minuscule seed and now patiently observes its growth, anticipating its fruition. He draws an analogy between the modest, almost insignificant beginnings of various endeavors and ministries and their remarkable outcomes. The farmer is unhurried; he simply waits and allows events to unfold. He understands that everything will occur in its own time and resists the urge to accelerate the process. He refrains from probing into the mechanics of growth, permitting developments to occur naturally. When the time matures, the farmer recognizes the necessity to act. He advises staying attuned to the gradual progression, the initial indicators of the yield before the harvest arrives. He invites us to feel the stark contrast in the concluding verse, where, when the moment arrives, all seems effortless and instinctive.

The first reading from the prophet Ezekiel presents a poignant passage describing God's promise to restore Israel. Ezekiel, who served as a priest at the Temple of Jerusalem, composed this during the period of the Temple's fall and the Babylonian exile. His writings reflect his experiences both in exile and upon his return to Jerusalem. In the passage, he speaks of God's omnipotence, attributing everything, both good and evil, to God's will. He condemns Israel's sins, which led to their exile, and predicts even greater calamities for Judah, warning that Jerusalem and the Temple would fall to the Babylonians, resulting in the people's exile. Despite having abandoned Yahweh, he reassures them of God's enduring love and the hopeful future when God will once again gather His people and reside among them eternally.

Today’s Gospel readings invite us into the mystery and marvel of the Kingdom of God through the parables of the Growing Seed and the Mustard Seed. These parables, with their rich imagery and profound messages, speak to us about God's work in our lives and the world.

In the Parable of the Growing Seed, we see a farmer who scatters seed and then waits. The seed grows on its own, independent of the farmer’s understanding or efforts. This parable is a beautiful reminder of the divine mystery of growth in God’s Kingdom. It teaches us that while we are called to participate and sow seeds, the growth comes from God. It’s a growth that is often silent, hidden, and beyond our comprehension. This can bring us great comfort, especially when we feel that our efforts seem small or insignificant. God is at work, even when we cannot see it.

Similarly, the Parable of the Mustard Seed teaches us about the surprising and expansive nature of God’s Kingdom. From the smallest seed grows the largest of garden plants, offering shelter and shade. This parable speaks to the potential of small beginnings. God’s Kingdom often starts in the most unexpected and humble ways but grows into something grand and life-giving. This challenges us to value and nurture the small seeds of faith, hope, and love in our lives and communities.

As we go about our daily lives, we are called to be sowers of these seeds. Simple acts of kindness, moments of prayer, and steps of faith—these are the seeds we scatter. We might not always see the immediate results of our actions, but we trust in God’s promise that these seeds will grow.

In our world today, where there is often an emphasis on immediate results and visible success, these parables offer a counter-cultural message. They call us to be patient and to trust in God’s timing. They encourage us to recognize and celebrate the small beginnings and to believe in the transformative power of God’s work in our lives and the world.

Let us be inspired by these parables to sow seeds of love, faith, and hope. Let us trust in God’s mysterious and powerful work, knowing that the Kingdom of God is growing, often in ways we cannot see or understand. And let us find joy in the small beginnings, confident that God is bringing about a great harvest.

May we continue to plant, nurture, and trust, always believing in the wondrous growth that God brings. 

Happy Sunday