THE KINGDOM OF GOD: SMALL BEGINNINGS, GREAT ENDINGS

Homily for the Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Biblical Texts: Ezekiel 17:22-24; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10; Mark 4:26-34

On this eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, the readings provide us with rich imagery and profound lessons about the Kingdom of God. Through the parables of growth and renewal, we are called to reflect on the small beginnings of our faith and the incredible potential for transformation and fruitfulness when we place our trust in God.

In the first reading from the book of the Prophet Ezekiel (Ezekiel 17:22-24), we hear of God’s promise to take a tender shoot from the lofty top of a cedar and plant it on a high mountain where it will grow into a majestic tree. This imagery speaks of God’s initiative and power in bringing about his Kingdom. It is God himself who plants, nurtures, and brings to fruition the growth of his people. The growth of God’s Kingdom is ultimately God’s work, and he uses what is seemingly small and insignificant to bring about great and marvelous results.

In the second reading (2 Corinthians 5:6-10), St. Paul speaks about the confidence we have in living by faith and not by sight. Paul reminds us that our human efforts are important, but they are to be guided by our trust in God. Our ambition should be to please him, knowing that our ultimate reward comes from living in accordance with his will. Paul emphasizes that our growth in faith is a journey, and our efforts should align with our trust in God’s divine plan.

In the Gospel reading from Mark (Mark 4:26-34), Jesus gives us the parable of the mustard seed. Jesus says, “The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; 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.” This parable highlights two important aspects of our theme: the seemingly insignificant beginnings and the extraordinary growth that follows, which surpasses human expectations.

The mustard seed, though tiny, contains within it the potential for tremendous growth. This growth is not the result of human effort alone but is driven by the mysterious and powerful work of God. Our role is to plant the seed - to take the small steps of faith, to engage in acts of love and service, to share the Gospel - and trust that God will bring about the growth. Just as a farmer does not fully understand how the seed sprouts and grows, we may not always see or comprehend how our efforts contribute to God’s Kingdom. Yet, we are called to trust and persevere, knowing that God is at work in ways beyond our understanding.

This parable also teaches us humility. Our human efforts, while necessary, are not the sole cause of the growth of God’s Kingdom. We must recognize our dependence on God’s grace and power. The success of our endeavors in ministry, evangelization, and personal spiritual growth is ultimately in God’s hands. This humility frees us from the burden of relying solely on our strength and reminds us to seek God’s guidance and blessing in all we do.

Furthermore, the parable encourages us to be patient and hopeful. The growth of the mustard seed takes time, and so does the growth of God’s Kingdom within and around us. There will be moments of waiting, times of apparent stagnation, and even setbacks. However, if we remain faithful and trust in God’s timing, we will witness the marvelous ways in which he brings about transformation and fruitfulness. Sadly, we live in a time of quick fixes and fast results when people no longer like to wait or to follow a process.

Lastly, the readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of the growth of the mustard seed and our own human efforts. We are reminded that while our efforts are important, it is ultimately God who brings about growth and transformation. Let us humbly acknowledge our dependence on his grace, trust in his providence, and persevere in our small acts of faith, confident that he will bring about a bountiful harvest in his time. May we find inspiration and hope in the parable of the mustard seed, and may our lives be a testament to the power and glory of God’s Kingdom. Amen.