11th SUNDAY, YEAR B: HOMILY BY FR. JUSTIN ADIELE
THEME: “THE SEED OF THE KINGDOM IS PLANTED IN YOU”
INTRODUCTION:
China has a very strange bamboo tree seed. When the seed is planted, it lays under the ground for five years before sprouting out above the ground. During the five years the seed is still under the ground, it is watered and fertilized regularly. When the seed finally sprouts, it grows up to a height of nine feet in just six weeks. It was discovered that within the first five years the seed was still lying under the ground, the bamboo seed was busy building an elaborate root system that would enable it to grow nine feet in six weeks after germination. The seed of the kingdom has been planted in us. What root system are we building up, and what heights have we attained spiritually, morally and otherwise?
THE FIRST READING (EZ. 17: 22–24)
The first reading narrated how God selected and planted Israel like a cedar on a lofty mountain, where it grew flourished and stood taller/higher than other trees (peoples). God spoke so high of Israel the seed he planted, and wished they lived up to his expectations; flourishing and higher in faith, virtues, morality, spirituality, goodness, justice and righteousness than other nations. We are the new Israel, chosen and planted by God and expected to stand tall in faith, virtues and holiness.
THE SECOND READING (2 COR. 5: 6–10)
In order to stand tall in faith, virtues and holiness, St. Paul advised us in the second reading to be at home with God, always aiming to please him in the body by doing good always. We must be at home with the Words and commandments of God which guide us to a holy and virtuous life.
THE GOSPEL READING (MK. 4: 26–34)
In the gospel reading, Jesus used the parable of the mustard seed to describe the kingdom of God, planted as a little seed with the twelve apostles; and now grown into a universal Church that shelters and nourishes uncountable souls marching to the heavenly kingdom. The Church and we the members must continue to grow physically, spiritually and morally to shelter the world from the rays and rain of error, evil, sin and destruction.
CONCLUSION
The seed of the kingdom has been planted at St. Eugene, and in us Christians. The seed of the kingdom is planted in you because God chose and saw you as a fertile ground and expects the best from you. So, do not let God and yourself down after all these years of planting, watching, waiting, watering and nourishing you with his Holy Words. Like the Chinese Bamboo seed, how fast or slow are we growing into what God wants us to be? How fast or slow are we attaining the growth and height God wants us to attain in faith, virtues and spirituality? How far have we spread our faith and moral shade over our children, family and the world around us? How many souls can take shelter under our shade and guidance to escape the rain of evil oppressions? As God’s seeds, we must grow and labour to become big shelters of souls for God.
Happy Sunday!
Fr. Justin