Mark 4:26-34

We have reached the last day of the first month of the new year.

Today the evangelist Mark tells us about two parables told by Jesus that compare the Kingdom of God to seeds thrown into the ground that grow.

The first parable speaks of the mystery of the growth of the seed, unknown to the sower. He simply throws the seed, but it is the ground that has the power to transform the seed into fruit.

We might think that the Kingdom of God mysteriously grows as the Gospel is preached to people. The evangelizer does not know the mechanism of growth; therefore, he cannot be responsible for this growth. So, the person responsible is God Himself.

We can also say that, when creating woman and man, God placed in their hearts a deep desire for His Kingdom, and that with the right stimulus, at the right time, human beings open themselves to the gift of the Kingdom of God, which grows.

The second parable speaks of the smallness of the seed compared to the greatness of the tree. The seed seems so fragile and unpretentious, but it has extraordinary potential. In its smallness, the seed carries a vital force that, under the right conditions, germinates and bears fruit and shade, favoring life around it. 

We may think that the message of the Gospel is powerful, and reaches the deepest part of the human heart, awakening the most beautiful dreams and purposes. The Gospel seems like just another word among many, often ignored by people in our time. But the potential of the Gospel is supernatural, because the Gospel creates the necessary conditions for the Kingdom of God to grow in society and achieve the most admirable goals of humanity. 

On the one hand, let us always welcome the Gospel that is proclaimed to us. And on the other, let us proclaim the Gospel to others with joy and hope, trusting in its transforming power!

Local: Springfield, MA, EUA

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