DAILY- HOMILY

14 June 2015 - 11th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Cycle B, Green   

Ez 17:22 – 24 / 2 Cor 5: 6 – 10 / Mk 4: 26 – 34

First Reading: Ez 17:22 – 24 

     Thus says Yahweh: "At the top of the cedar I will take one of its uppermost branches, a tender twig and plant it. On a lofty, massive mountain, on a high mountain of Israel I will plant it. It will produce branches and bear fruit and become a magificent cedar. Birds of all kinds will nest in it and find shelter in its branches. And all the trees of the field shall know that I am Yahweh, I who bring down the lofty tree and make the lowly tree tall. I will make the tree that is full of sap wither and the dry tree bloom. I, Yahweh, have spoken and this will I do."

Second Reading: 2 Cor 5: 6 – 10                               

     So we feel confident always. We know that while living in the body, we are exiled from the Lord, living by faith, without seeing; but we dare to think that we would rather be away from the body to go and live with the Lord. So, whether we have to keep this house or lose it, we only wish to please the Lord. Anyway we all have to appear before the tribunal of Christ for each one to receive what he deserves for his good or evil deeds in the present life.

Gospel: Mk 4: 26 – 34 

     Jesus said, "In the kingdom of God it is like this. A man scatters seed upon the soil. Whether he is asleep or awake, be it day or night, the seed sprouts and grows, he knows not how. The soil produces of itself; first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when it is ripe for harvesting the sickle for the cutting: the time for harvest has come."

     Jesus also said, "What is the kingdom of God like? To what shall we compare it? It is like a mustard seed which, when sown, is the smallest of all the seeds scattered upon the soil. But once sown, it grows up and becomes the largest of the plants in the garden and even grows branches so big that the birds of the air can take shelter in its shade."

     Jesus used many such stories or parables, to proclaim the word to them in a way they would be able to understand. He would not teach them without parables; but privately to his disciples he explained everything. 

Reflection:

     Today's Gospel reading presents two images of God's kingdom. The first speaks of a seed growing on its own as the sower patiently waits; the second points out how a tiny mustard seed eventually grows into a large bush. Both images present and underscore the truth that there is more at work in the preaching of God's word than human effort. The reign of God is a gift from God and is very much under the control of God himself. And so God's presence and work may seem insignificant and imperceptible but are nevertheless very much needed and present.

     The seed of faith is planted in all the baptized, which include all of us.  We do not lose that baptismal gift and the Spirit though we falter and sin. We do not re-baptize those who sin and are forgiven. Whenever we do any good work or are witnesses to works of goodness and kindness around us, no matter how seemingly trivial or insignificant, we are reminded of God's presence. These good deeds contribute to propagating the mission of spreading the care and concern of God for our salvation. 

     Goodness which we readily attribute to God makes God real and palpable which in turn deepens our faith that God keeps his promises. We never feel abandoned and forsaken. We are consoled that God remains in full control even in our moments of hopelessness and despair, when we see suffering and evil seeming to triumph over good. 

     Those who are honest and neither accept bribes nor resort to corrupt practices are at times considered fools for not taking advantage of clear opportunities. How much of so-called natural calamities such as flashfloods and landslides are due to careless and irresponsible denudation of forests? Are the guilty ever punished? How many of those responsible for abuses against nature and the environment get away and are not punished? For the evil they do, so many poor and powerless have suffered much. Nonetheless our faith teaches us to remain hopeful and not discouraged because we believe that God will never forsake us.

     We then pray for greater patience and sensitivity in the presence of God though we may not have any clear manifestation of this presence. There may be much more that we do not clearly see. We pray that our faith may be strengthened that goodness will eventually triumph and that the seeds of goodness we sow will somehow bear fruit as promised by our faithful God.   

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

     LUIS & JOSIE ONG

     YIU-WAH & SUSIE TSOI

IN MEMORIAM (+)

     ANOTONIO S.J. CABRERA

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most. 

Have a good day!

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