"Of its own accord the land yields fruit,
first the blade, then the ear,
then the full grain in the ear.
And when the grain is ripe,
he wields the sickle at once,
for the harvest has come.”
(Mark 4:28-29)
The farmer does not understand how the seed grows but trusts that it will. Similarly, we may not always understand God’s ways, but we can trust in His perfect timing. No act of faith or small beginning is insignificant in God’s plan. The growth of the seed is not dependent on human effort but on God’s power. Just as seeds take time to grow, spiritual growth and the work of God’s Kingdom are progressive and require patience. Let us have faith, be patient, and trust in the mysterious yet powerful work of God in our lives and the world.
26 Jesus said to the crowds: “This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land 27 and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. 28 Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.” 30 He said, “To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? 31 It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. 32 But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” 33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. 34 Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private. (Mark 4:26-34)
In fields of faith where seeds are sown, The farmer trusts what’s yet unknown. For growth unseen, beneath the sod, Unfolds in time, the hand of God. With patience deep and vision clear, We trust in Him, devoid of fear. Each tiny seed, in darkness lain, Will rise in time to sun and rain. No act of faith shall be too small, In God’s grand plan, it counts for all. The mustard seed, so small at birth, Expands to shelter all the earth. Our efforts pale beside His might, In Him alone, our seeds take flight. So let us wait with hearts so true, For God’s own timing to break through. As seeds in soil must slowly grow, God’s kingdom comes, not fast but slow. In mystery and power divine, Our lives unfold by His design. So trust we must, as seeds take root, In God’s great time, all fruits shall shoot. With faith and patience, let us stand, And leave the growth in God’s own hand.
Lord Jesus, Gardener of our souls, In Your wisdom, the universe rolls. We are the seeds, You are the sower, In fields of grace, Your love is our power. We confess, the ways of growth unknown, Yet in Your promise, we have grown. Your timing perfect, Your plan divine, In every small beginning, Your glory shines. Teach us to trust, not by our might, But in Your power and Your light. For every act of faith we dare, Is held by You, in tender care. As seeds need time to break through earth, Grant us patience for spiritual rebirth. In Your kingdom’s work, let us play our part, With steady faith and hopeful heart. Lord, in the mystery of Your ways, We find our strength for all our days. Help us to wait, to trust, to see, Your hand at work — setting us free. In Jesus’ name, we offer this plea, Let our lives reflect Your victory. Amen.
God brings life and growth out of situations that seem withered and hopeless. No matter how difficult our circumstances may seem, God has the power to bring about change and renewal. He alone can restores us and give us a bright future. We should always be loyal to God and mindful of the consequences of disobedience. Let us trust in God’s plan and timing.
22 Thus says the Lord God: I, too, will take from the crest of the cedar, from its topmost branches tear off a tender shoot, and plant it on a high and lofty mountain; 23 on the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it. It shall put forth branches and bear fruit, and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind shall dwell beneath it, every winged thing in the shade of its boughs. 24 And all the trees of the field shall know that I, the Lord, bring low the high tree, lift high the lowly tree, wither up the green tree, and make the withered tree bloom. As I, the Lord, have spoken, so will I do. (Ezekiel 17:22-24)
In valleys low where shadows creep, Where hope seems frail and sorrows steep, God’s hand extends, with power to sweep Away despair, our souls to keep. From withered ground, new life He brings, In barren hearts, His love takes wings. He mends the broken, lifts the kings, And to the humble, victory sings. Though trials come and storms may rage, His presence spans each history’s page. With power to change and hearts engage, He writes our future, cancels the cage. Loyal we stand, in His commands, Mindful of His just reprimands. Yet in His grace, we find our stands, Held by His merciful, loving hands. Trust in His plan, His perfect time, For in His will, our lives align. From hopeless depths, to peaks we climb, Renewed in Him, our lives sublime. Let faith arise, let hearts be sure, In God alone, we are secure. His promises forever endure, His path for us, forever pure.
Heavenly Father, in the quiet of this moment, we seek Your presence in the midst of life’s storms. We acknowledge that You alone bring life and growth out of situations that seem withered and hopeless. No matter how difficult our circumstances may appear, we believe in Your power to bring about change and renewal. Lord, You are the restorer of our souls and the architect of our future. Help us to remain loyal to You, ever mindful of the consequences of our disobedience. Teach us to walk in Your ways and to trust in Your perfect plan and timing. We lay down our burdens at Your feet, trusting that You will provide for us and lead us to a place of flourishing. May we always be attuned to Your voice, following Your guidance with faith and obedience. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Our lives should testify to God’s character. By remaining faithful and upright, we reflect God’s own righteousness and justice. Living a righteous life leads to spiritual growth and stability. Just as the palm tree and cedar are known for their longevity and strength, a life rooted in righteousness will stand firm. Age does not diminish our ability to serve God. Even in old age, we can still bear fruit, showing that a life lived for God remains vibrant and productive. Let us stay faithful in worship both at the start of our day and at its end, live righteously, remain productive for God’s kingdom at all stages of life, and always testify to God’s goodness.
2 It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praise to your name, Most High, 3 to proclaim your kindness at dawn and your faithfulness throughout the night. (R) 13 The just one shall flourish like the palm tree, like a cedar of Lebanon shall he grow. 14 They that are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. (R) 15 They shall bear fruit even in old age; vigorous and sturdy shall they be, 16 declaring how just is the Lord, my Rock, in whom there is no wrong. (Psalm 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16)
In lives of faith, we stand, reflect, God’s righteousness, His justice, perfect. Upright and true, our paths we chart, His holy nature, in us, impart. Like sturdy trees, our roots grow deep, In righteous soil, His statutes keep. The palm and cedar, tall they rise, Our lives in Him, beneath His skies. With every year, more fruit we bear, A testament that God is there. In youth or age, His work’s not done, For vibrant faith outshines the sun. In worship true from dawn till night, Our hearts and voices take their flight. In every stage, His praise we sing, To God our King, the eternal spring. So let us live, His goodness show, And in His love, forever grow.
Heavenly Father, may our lives be a testament to Your divine character. Help us to remain faithful and upright, reflecting Your righteousness and justice in all that we do. Grant us the strength to lead lives of righteousness, that we may experience spiritual growth and stability. Like the enduring palm tree and the mighty cedar, let our faith stand firm, deeply rooted in Your holy word. Remind us that our capacity to serve You does not wane with age; even as the years pass, enable us to bear fruit, demonstrating that a life dedicated to You is ever vibrant and productive. Lord, guide us to worship You faithfully at each day’s beginning and end. Empower us to live righteously, to stay productive in Your kingdom at every stage of life, and to always bear witness to Your enduring goodness. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Our ultimate goal should be to please God, whether we are in this body or away from it. We should have an eternal perspective, focusing on our heavenly dwelling rather than earthly troubles. We will all appear before Christ’s judgment seat and be held accountable for our actions. Let us live by faith and not by sight, trusting in God’s promises and His eternal plan for us with Christ as our motivation.
Brothers and sisters: We are always courageous, although we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yet we are courageous, and we would rather leave the body and go home to the Lord. 9 Therefore, we aspire to please him, whether we are at home or away. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive recompense, according to what he did in the body, whether good or evil. (2 Corinthians 5:6-10)
In bodies now, or bodies past, Our aim for God’s delight is cast. With eyes of faith, not sight we see, A heavenly home, eternally. Before the throne, we shall stand tall, Account for deeds, the big, the small. Our actions here, in light they’ll bask, For Christ’s own judgment, all will ask. Let’s trust in promises so divine, In God’s grand plan, let our lives align. With Christ as guide, our hearts ignite, To please our Lord, our ultimate fight. So let us walk this earthly sphere, With eternal gaze, and conscience clear. For in His grace, we’re ever caught, To live by faith, is what He taught.
Heavenly Father, who reigns above, Teach us to seek Your will and love. In this body or the next, Your pleasure we seek, With an eternal view, humble and meek. Grant us the strength to focus our sight, On our heavenly home, bathed in Your light. Not on earthly woes that lead us astray, But on Your kingdom, where we long to stay. As we stand one day before Your Son’s seat, May we hold fast to deeds that are sweet. For every action, word, and thought, Let them be ones that Christ has taught. Help us to live by faith, not what we see, Trusting in Your promises, forever free. With Christ as our guide, our hearts You’ve won, May Your eternal plan in us be done. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
II: The Mystery of Jesus
SEED GROWS OF ITSELF / THE MUSTARD SEED
Mark 4:26-29 / 30-34
First Reading
II: Before the Siege of Jerusalem
THE EAGLES AND THE VINE
Ezekiel 17:1-24
Responsorial Psalm
Fourth Book of Psalms 90-106
A HYMN OF THANKSGIVING FOR GOD'S FIDELITY
Psalm 92:1-16
Second Reading
II: The Crisis between Paul and the Corinthians
OUR FUTURE DESTINY
2 Corinthians 5:1-10
Related Blogs:
https://seedsforthesower.blogspot.com/2024/06/seed-would-sprout-and-grow.html
https://thetreeoflifeandknowledge.blogspot.com/2024/06/all-tress-shall-know.html
https://oldwisdomnewworks.blogspot.com/2024/06/bear-fruit-even-in-old-age.html
https://runtotherisenlord.blogspot.com/2024/06/walk-by-faith-not-by-sight.html
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
