Today we hear two of Jesus' parables and both of them are about the kingdom of God. Jesus’ stories and parables are normally complete and contain many details. That makes his teaching- the Gospel, some thing special.But we can find some lacking of details in the first parable.
In the first story we hear about the man, who scatters seed on the land. Jesus says, the seed grows in the day and night. More over he says, the man doesn’t know how they grow up. There is little reference to the human work for the cause.
For the first time we will ask, how can it happen. We are sure that, Jesus was aware of the hardships of the works and he respected all. That means the silence of this human part has some other greater meaning.
Analysing the first reading may help us to understand the context. We may see some resemblance between the first and the Gospel passage.
Both explain the divine interference in the life of his Folk.
Very specially the first readings shares some intensive caring God. We hear that “I will take it” “I will plant it”.
The repeated “I, the Lord” explains, the invisible but important role of God in the life of Israel.
The first reading is all about this personal care of God towards his beloved chosen people.
This same personal touch and care are strongly asserted in a hidden way in the Gospel parable.
And considering the first reading with the Gospel we get the explanation that it is not the human work alone brings fruit. But the personal care of God too is very important.
It doesn’t mean that our works are overlooked or they are unimportant.
God surely asks from us the initiative and perseverance.
But God himself has the greatest role in the Kingdom of God.
God has his plan and his Will.
How the readings are connected with our daily life?
We are so distressed about the many criticisms, persecutions against the God or Church or his followers. We are dubious of the future of the Church as the faith and faithful and pastors are decreasing.
I do remember a comment of a friend, as there was some issues in a particular church:
“Why should you make so many plans about Church and faith? You say that you believe in God. Then why don’t you believe in his Providence? Why don’t you accept the will of God?”
Sincerely, I had no answer for this sincere friend.
Yes, we believe in God.
But some how there are some issues in accepting his Omnipresence in our life. Many of us are not fully aware of the main role of God in our lives.
Our aim is to grow in this wonderful faith;
just as God provides necessary surroundings for the growth of the seed,
he will provide us with his gifts.
Just as the sower did his part, God too fulfils his role in the growth.
We have to trust our life in the hands of God.
It is the challenge for us in this new era of self-confidence and over confidence.
Let us try to be aware of God’s role in our life. God Bless us all. Amen.
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Fr Thomas Kalathil
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