ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Mark 4:26 – 34

 

          “Let It Be.”

           We recognize that as the title and refrain from a famous Beatle’s song.

So often in our zeal to be more faithful, in our ardent desire to be with the Lord in heart, mind and soul we work so hard to take hold of every opportunity to increase our faith.  We attend Mass, receive the Eucharist and the other sacraments, we pray daily – morning prayer, evening prayer, the rosary, novenas, prayer circles, devotions, spiritual direction.  We read scripture, we read spiritual books, we watch videos, follow blogs, attend retreats.  We do charitable works, we engage in ministry.   We do this all to make ourselves better Christians, better servants.  We labor to know the truth and to speak the truth.  We try our best to have the exact correct answer on every moral issue.  We may become relentless in what we do, lest our faith falter and becomes weak.

          Yet in today’s gospel Jesus tells us very clearly to “Let it be.”

          He gives us the parable of the sower who, once he sows the seed, sleeps, and the seed – faith – grows.

          He compares faith to the tiny mustard seed.  Though seemingly small and insignificant, it grows into the largest of plants.

          And we worry so much about our own faith?  Our efforts are admirable, of course, but it is God who takes the tiniest element of our faith – no matter how small it may seem – and makes it sprout and grow.  So often we don’t even realize it.  Yet, think of how often we see signs of our faith at unexpected times in our lives.  Think of those times when you faced uncertainties and difficulties that might overwhelm you, yet a sense of God’s presence, a sense of divine peace, a sense of divine guidance carries you through.  Think of those times when you’ve been there for others and they’ve found God’s presence through you.  You may feel that you did nothing special, yet your faith in God allowed you to be God’s agent.

          Let us take heart.  Our faith is not as weak as we may fear.  We plant the seed, then – let it be.

 

“Call Me Ishmael”