Sprout and Grow – Mark 4:26-34 Reflection
Jesus uses the parables of the “sprout and grow” process of seeds into plants to explain our maturing in the kingdom of God. In effect, we are the soil where God places seeds of Grace. We do not need to know the precise plan for the individualized graced nature of what we will become or the impact on others. However, we should trust that what we need for metaphorical “water and nutrients” will provided. In ways we may never know, if we allow our gifts and grace to shape us, our physical and spiritual neighbor(s) will be positively affected. Our freedom to choose the “volume” of our “Yes” is another gift we consider. With the Holy Spirit’s assistance, we can allow Grace to nurture us into beautiful, blossoming plants. Consider that while on earth, our willing cooperation is primarily how God’s love becomes visible to others.
The Sower, by James Tissot (full-resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 4:26-35 – Scripture*
The Parable of the Growing Seed
26 He also said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, 27 and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. 28 The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.”
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
30 He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; 32 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.”
The Use of Parables
33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; 34 he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Mark 4:26-34 Reflection – Beautiful Blossoming Seeds.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 5 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.