Mark 4:26-34
Common English Translation
26-29 Then Jesus said, “This is what God’s kingdom is like. It’s as though someone scatters seed on the ground, then sleeps and wakes night and day. The seed sprouts and grows, but the farmer doesn’t know how. The earth produces crops all by itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full head of grain. Whenever the crop is ready, the farmer goes out to cut the grain because it’s harvest time.”
30-34 He continued, “What’s a good image for God’s kingdom? What parable can I use to explain it? Consider a mustard seed. When scattered on the ground, it’s the smallest of all the seeds on the earth; but when it’s planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all vegetable plants. It produces such large branches that the birds in the sky are able to nest in its shade.” With many such parables he continued to give them the word, as much as they were able to hear. He spoke to them only in parables, then explained everything to his disciples when he was alone with them.
REFLECTIONS:
Thoughts from Monica:
Two parables of Jesus about the Kingdom of God.
In one, a mysterious Someone scatters seed and then goes on about their business as sprouts unearth automatically. New growth progresses on without aid, and unnecessary is any understanding of the how. The seed, in falling, produces more, an integral part of an ongoing sequence of patience and providence. The farmer watches, waits, harvests. They seem to be just as much a part of the intended order of things.
In parable two, juxtaposed: the smallest of all seeds, also scattered about, grows into a large shrub. Its branches produce more seeds… while harboring an enemy-apparent? The seed’s hunters, with their wings and beaks, seek out their next meal, be it invading insects or the seeds themselves. On these wide branches they are considered friend not foe. There is more than enough scattered seed to go around.
The Kingdom of God according to Jesus: mysterious, progressing, inclusive, unstoppable.
Awaken us, Lord, to the wonder and goodness of your expanding and inclusive Kingdom, where our feet already are. May we pay attention to who and what is in front of us.
Amen.
PRACTICE:
Outward Mindset Application
Look for a coworker (or resident) who is struggling and find a way to help him/her.
Non-Violent Communication Question of the Week
How easy is it for you to pay attention to your own feelings when you are in front of another person? What makes it easier for you to do that inner-listening even while giving attention to the world around you?
Pathways toward Centeredness
Traditionalism (Loving God by engaging ritual and symbol):
Here’s an ancient prayer from the Christian tradition, called “Suscipe, the Radical Prayer” from St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556). This week, find a few minutes each morning to borrow this prayer.
Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will,
All I have and call my own.
You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.
Amen.
Questions for Reflection
Where are you? What or who is in front of you that you might not be noticing?
What’s a small thing you can do?
“Liturgy” refers to the habits and practices humans use to form community around shared values and meaning. At Church at the Park, we desire to be a community of practice, becoming people who see the world through the eyes of the marginalized, making meaning through the lens of pain and suffering, and committing ourselves to non-violence in a wounded world. This weekly email is intended to provide pathways of practice for becoming the type of people who embody these values.
Many of our reflections on each week's text come from other sources. If you're interested in reading more of what inspires us, here our our two favorite reflections.
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