The humble beginning of the Kingdom of God

Ezek. 17:22-24, 2 Cor. 5:6-10, Mk 4:26-34. On this Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church invites us to have a deep Spiritual renewal which is the gift of God, through the Holy Spirit and through prayer. As Ezekiel puts it graphically in today's first reading, it is God who does the fundamental planting of His people. The sprig from the cedar’s lofty top is planted on a high mountain and for a noble purpose. In our tradition, God’s favoured tree is the Holy Catholic Church, called to be a welcoming family, source of enlightenment and comfort to people of all nations. This tree, of God’s own planting, must be there “so that it may produce boughs and bear fruit and become a noble cedar” providing shade for creatures of all kinds.

In today’s Gospel parable, Jesus draws our attention to the mysterious miracle of growth and fruitfulness. The gardener must do the initial spadework and subsequently whatever weeding and watering may be required; but in the end it is the Spirit of God who makes fruitful change happen. So we call on the Pentecostal Spirit to breathe strongly on our Church and awaken in our hearts that loving desire for sharing, and communion, which are the ideal at the heart of each Eucharistic congress and indeed of every Mass. When it comes to rediscovering spiritual priorities in our lives, we can find upliftment in today’s hope-filled words from the second reading. In the middle of all the turmoil and tension Paul felt in dealing with dissent in Corinth, he holds on to his confidence in Christ, as his invisible, ever-present friend. Paul can be serene even at the prospect of his own death, when he will be more “at home with the Lord.” He then adds a guiding principle valid for each of us: “Whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.” Without giving up on hope for collegiality and dialogue in our Church, these are secondary to our basic trust that it is and will remain the Church of Jesus Christ, whose Spirit will stir up whatever is needed to make His Church grow and thrive.

May God give us the grace to live as sons and daughters of His Kingdom and be bearers of the Good news of the Kingdom wherever we find ourselves! Amen!! Good morning and happy Sunday!!