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, they take the sickle for the cutting: the time for the 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, in order
to proclaim the word to them in a way that they would be able to understand. He would not teach
them without parables; but privately, to his disciples, he explained everything.
Reflect
“Nourished by God's word.” Today, we commemorate Sts. Timothy and Titus. In the first reading,
St. Paul appears to be giving Timothy some words of encouragement. Paul reminds Timothy of
Timothy’s sincere faith. When faith is sincere, nothing can shake it. There is no situation, no matter
how frustrating, that can totally discourage the person whose faith is sincere. The Greek adjective
used is anhypocritos, meaning “sincere,” the opposite of hypocrite. When Jesus, in the Gospel,
tells of the faith which as big as a mustard seed, he must be referring to a sincere faith. A
sincere faith may not appear to be grandiose but is always and certainly with depth. This
is the faith that can stand against all odds. A sincere faith is nourished by God’s word all
the time. At times, our faith expressions are too pompous and ceremonial that our faith
is no longer centered on God’s word. If our faith is no longer nourished by God’s word, then
it will surely grow weak.
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