29th January, Friday
I. Heb 10: 32-39
II. Mk 4: 26-34
Theme: Faith is Mysterious.
The First Reading today speaks of the changes that happen after enlightenment through faith. There are also a few words about the coming of the Lord Jesus. In the Gospel, Jesus compares the Reign of GOD to the mysterious growth of plants. In particular Jesus refers to the tree that sprouts from the small mustard seed.
The mystery of faith is beautifully symbolized in the growth of plants. A small seed has within it the potential for producing fruit many times itself. It needs water and light. Our faith relationship with the Lord Jesus starts off quite small. We have been introduced to the Lord Jesus by someone sharing with us their own personal experience of God. Through Baptism and the enlightenment by the Spirit and the Light, we begin to grow. Our contact with Lord Jesus increases. We begin to come to a greater “knowledge” of Who God is. We realize what it means for us to be in relationship with God. It is not our doing; it is God’s doing. We may face some trying times of being out in the scorching sun of others’ misunderstanding or somewhat overpowering wind of people who try to sway us to their unfounded thoughts, but if we remain faithful to God then we will make it through those times. We will be given the strength to face whatever hardship we must endure and provide support for others. As we share our growth with others, we plant the seeds which will blossom into new, lively relationship with God in their lives.
Bro Santhosh Prabhu SMM
III BTh