Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”   Mark 4 : 30 – 32

Readings this week :  Ezekiel 17 22 - end; 2 Corinthians 5 : 6 – 10, 14 - 17; Mark 4 : 26 - 34

Thought for this week

Have you ever been surprised by what springs up in your garden? Even in our cities seeds carried by birds will bring life and colour. How miraculous nature is.

I wonder if we give enough attention to how the Lord speaks to us in all we see, hear and smell around us each day. The wonder of creation. The joy of new life, the mystery of seeds growing, the majesty of the seasons, and even death and Resurrection. It is all contained within a seed that seeks to survive, to grow, and to spread into branches and leaves.

In our Gospel reading we hear about the seed growing slowly, and the Mustard Seed growing in such grandeur that even its branches grow long and provide refuge for birds.

Jesus is speaking about His Kingdom. Often unseen, growing slowly. Often unknown, and yet with the gift to surprise, make us re – think, wonder again at all that is beyond us and yet is before us. Is within us in our lives.

This is Jesus’ love. So much further than we can begin to imagine. Boundless, free, bringing life. How amazing if we could begin to understand this life. How amazing the Life Jesus offers. His free gift offered to us all.

 Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

Lord Jesus Christ, we remember with gratitude those who generously sowed the seeds of faith in our lives.

We recognize how you have blessed our lives with the gift of the Holy Spirit so that our faith has miraculously and mysteriously grown.

We confess the times we fail to involve ourselves in planting seeds of faith in the lives of others; the times when our personal agendas become more important than yours; the times when we have denied others the opportunity to expand their faith through our lack of interest or involvement;
the times when our lives become so entangled with the values of the world that we forget what you have said and done and promised.

Lord Jesus Christ, we know that when we become disconnected from you, our lives becomes parched and unfruitful and our faith becomes stunted and dry. Bless and renew our lives, we pray, so that we remain connected to you at all times and in all places, strengthening our faith to expand and, growing strongly and vigorously, to bear the fruit of your mercy, your love, your undying life. Amen.

Moira Laidlaw, and posted on Liturgies Online.