ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
(Ezekiel 17:22-24; II Corinthians 5:6-10; Mark 4:26-34)
The readings of the mass today can be understood as an
introduction to Jesus Christ. We have wonders in our times. Who hasn't been
amazed by all the uses of the smartphone? But perhaps you, like me, would give
up your phones for the experience of accompanying our Lord for a day.
Sir Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of England during
World War II, admired Franklin Roosevelt, his counterpart in the United States.
He once said: “Meeting Franklin was like opening your first bottle of
champagne, and knowing him was like drinking it.” Like President Roosevelt
Jesus was articulate, inspiring, and wise. More than Roosevelt, he was
righteous and compassionate.
The first reading is taken from the prophet Ezekiel.
Characteristic of this prophet, God Himself speaks without using oracles. He
says that he will take a shoot from a great cedar and plant it on the top of
the highest mountain in Israel. Of course, these words are not to be understood
literally. It is metaphorical language to say that God will renew the dynasty
of David with a righteous king. This king will bring to Israel the peace desired
throughout the world.
Paul speaks of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Ezekiel's
prophecy. He implies that there is nothing so wonderful as being in the company
of Jesus. In fact, Paul would not want to live any longer if he were certain
that he could be in Christ’s presence. Nevertheless, he is confident that he
will receive this reward in time, although he must please him by righteous
living.
In the gospel Jesus provides two parables describing the
“Kingdom of God.” This term “Kingdom of God” is not so much a place as a symbol
that carries several meanings. It is heaven, eternal life, peace in its
fullness, God himself, a friendship with the Lord Jesus, and more. In the
parable of the seed slowly growing in the ground Jesus teaches how to develop a
firm relationship with him through consistent and careful attention. There was
a man who locked the church door of his parish every night. After inspecting
the premises, he would stop to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. One day his
wife received the diagnosis that she had cancer. That night when he visited the
Blessed Sacrament, he felt a hand on his shoulder and heard a voice assuring
him: “Everything will be all right.” The man was convinced that the hand and
the voice were the Lord’s.
The parable of the mustard seed shows how Jesus particularly
helps the poor. As the seed grows, it becomes a bush where little birds can
nest. Like the bush Jesus provide refuge for vulnerable human beings. Even if
they have no money or a home of their own, if they have a strong relationship
with Jesus, he will be their invaluable resource.
We meet Jesus in many ways.
We have his word through the gospels.
The saints imitating his ways give us a sense of his presence. But our surest recourse to the Lord isa the
sacraments. We know him best through the
Eucharist. Here he accompanies us, body
and soul.
