Read Hebrews 10:32-39, Ps. 37:3-6,23-24,39-40, Mark 4:26-34
“With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” (Mark 4:30-32)
The kingdom of heaven is like a little seed, perhaps the smallest of all seeds. The size of the seed does not matter rather it is its potential that matters. That little insignificant seed when planted or even when accidentally spread on the ground begins to grow little by little.
Its growth rate can be so slow that no one even takes notice of it. But when its potential fully manifests, it becomes the biggest of all shrubs. People soon begin to wonder how that little seed was able to produce such a big tree.
There are over one billion Christians in the world today yet at a point Christianity was just a tiny seed in the hands of just thirteen men; Jesus and his disciples. Who would have imagined that there would be so many Christians in the world today?
Again, the book of Hebrews reminds us of how Christians were made to face serious persecution in the early days of its history. Even to this day, the world’s hatred for Christianity has not ceased. The fact that the Christian faith continues to blossom remains a mystery.
Like the Christian faith, beginning a new habit is like planting a seed. When we decide to change from our sinful ways and devote ourselves to becoming more serious with God, we have just planted a small seed.
The beginning may be rough, very rough. We may even face great temptations; so great that we may attempt to give up; progress may be slow; people may mock us because they wouldn’t see any change in us. But we should never be discouraged.
Keep moving on. One day, that good habit you just began will become part of you and like a shrub that attracts birds of the air, people will come to ask you: “how did you become so successful?”
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, help me realize my full potential. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of week 3 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Hebrews 10:32-39, Ps. 37:3-6,23-24,39-40, Mark 4:26-34).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu