To What shall we compare the Kingdom of God?

 

The Scripture readings for this reflection can be found at Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church | USCCB

Today Jesus is once again talking about the kingdom of God. Today he describes God’s kingdom in a unique way. He tells his disciples that the kingdom of God is like a man who scattered his seeds in his fields. Then the farmer would go about his daily chores, trusting that the seed would grow of its own accord. The farmer is not overly concerned about the seeds knowing what to do. The farmer knows that the seeds will do what is natural for them: they will sprout and grow. When the crop is fully grown, the farmer harvests the crop.

In this parable, Jesus compares the farmer’s and his seed to God’s kingdom. He tells his listeners that the kingdom of God works in a similar manner. The kingdom of God is like the tiny mustard seed that is planted in the earth. It is the smallest of seeds, yet when the plant is fully grown, it is one of the largest plants on earth!

Each one of us have received the gift of faith through baptism, our first Holy Communion and Confirmation. This faith is the seed planted in us by Jesus Christ. We help water the seeds of our faith by our day-to-day love of God and neighbor, by attending Sunday and Daily mass, by going to confession on a regular basis, by making regular time to study scripture, and then taking this faith to others in our day-to-day existence.  By our regular routine of prayer and the sharing of our faith with others, we are helping the Lord to scatter the seeds of faith throughout the world to those we meet. We may not see the outcome of these seeds planted in those we meet right away, but like the seeds in a garden, it takes time for the water and sun of God’s love to work on the growth of this faith in those people that struggle with faith in God. We just need to trust that God is working in those we share our faith with. Further, we water the seed of their faith by praying for them and their needs.

Let us continue to nurture our faith by the regular practice of our faith, by reading scripture daily, by the frequent use of confession and by the regular reception of Holy Communion and bring that love of God to those who needs to be nurtured in their faith in God. It is in this way the Kingdom of God will grow and prosper in our world.