Mark 4:26-34

2 Timothy 1:1-8 or Titus 1:1-5

Psalm 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10

Mark 4:26-34

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

and would sleep and rise night and day

and the seed would sprout and grow,

he knows not how.

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.”

He said,

“To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God,

or what parable can we use for it?

It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground,

is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth.

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.”

With many such parables

he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it.

Without parables he did not speak to them,

but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

Opening Prayer: Lord, you called Timothy and Titus to collaborate with Saint Paul in the great mission of founding churches throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Saint Paul was passionate and not exactly an easy person to get along with. Timothy and Titus persevered in their mission and received sound advice from Paul. Help me to persevere in my mission despite the difficulties that arise.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Jesus’ Parables about the Kingdom of God: Jesus uses parables to speak about the mysterious reality of the Kingdom of God he has announced. The parable of the growing seed teaches us that the Kingdom of God is a divine work and not a human achievement. Yes, the farmer needs to prepare the soil, plant seeds, water the ground, and pull up weeds, he is powerless to ripen the grain. In like manner, we should work on behalf of the Kingdom of God, but we are only collaborating with God. The parable of the mustard seed teaches that the Kingdom of God will start out small but eventually grow to universal dimensions. The Church is only the beginning of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom awaits its definitive establishment at the end of time. While Jesus spoke in parables to the crowds, he would explain the meaning of the parables to his disciples. In this way, the mystery of the Kingdom remained hidden to the prideful and was revealed to the humble of heart.

2. Paul’s Coworkers: Sometimes we can mistakenly think that Paul acted alone. The truth is that Paul was surrounded by many coworkers who were coauthors of many of his letters. Paul even sent his coworkers on special missions and gave them special assignments. Timothy and Titus were two of Paul’s most trusted companions. Paul sent Timothy on missions to Macedonia and Corinth. And he sent Titus to Dalmatia and Crete. Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus are called the “pastoral letters” and give sound guidance on how to govern the Christian communities entrusted to their care. Paul is careful to list the qualities and characteristics that those appointed to be bishops, priests, and deacons should possess. He exhorts Timothy and Titus to read the Scriptures, interpret them properly, and safeguard the deposit of the faith they have received.

3. Collaborating with Jesus: We have to remember that our growth in holiness and the growth of the Kingdom of God are not human achievements. Growing in holiness and the extension of the kingdom are best seen as fruits of our humble collaboration with God. God moves us and offers us the tremendous gift of his grace. We are free to accept God’s action and grace or to reject it. When we do welcome God’s grace we can cooperate with it and bear supernatural fruit for the kingdom of God.

Conversing with Christ: With the saints and angels I praise you today and sing to you a new song. I want to announce your salvation to all those I encounter today and tell them the wondrous deeds you have done. You are my king and my Lord and you govern all things with justice. Reveal to me the mystery of your Kingdom.

Resolution: When I look at what I have accomplished in my own life and for God’s kingdom, do I give praise and thanksgiving to God or do I tend to pat myself on the back for a job well done? Do I realize that any growth in holiness is first due to the gift of God’s grace? Looking back over the month of January, where have I failed to love and where have I grown in love?