As Jesus sends out the 72 disciples, he empowers them to carry on his earthly mission. Their efforts inspire us to consider how the Lord directs and sends us out into the world to offer our lives today.
After driving out a demon, Jesus teaches the crowds and reveals how God’s kingdom is upon them. May we run to meet the Lord and confront the evil in our lives with his grace!
The readings today all point to a time of fulfillment and hope. The “mountain of the Lord” or the “house of the Lord” or even the healing and restoration made possible by Jesus…it all looks to our final destination where the Lord Jesus Christ reigns supreme!
Let’s take a look at some of the major themes we find in the readings for the 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time.
1st Reading – Ezekiel 17:22-24
The prophet offers the cedar as a sign of God’s restoration for the people of Israel, which will be ultimately fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.
God’s power reigns supreme over all creation.
Psalm – 92:2-3,13-14,15-16
“Lord, it is good to give thanks to you.”
God is praised for mighty deeds that bring blessings to those who live holy lives.
2nd Reading – 2nd Corinthians 5:6-10
We remain courageous as we follow the Lord in faith.
In both life and death we belong to the Lord, from whom we will receive recompense for the good or evil we have done.
Gospel – Mark 4:26-34
This passage offers two parables about the kingdom of God that highlight the contrast between the humble beginnings of a seed and the final glory of a mature plant.
The simple start of a small seed reminds us that God’s power touches the little and the lowly, resulting in a final creation beyond our expectation.
Jesus offers two parables which show how the Kingdom of God expands through steady growth from a tiny beginning. May this process encourage us to foster our faith – no matter how small – as we invite the Lord to dwell in our hearts.
Jesus warns his disciples not to go chasing for the Kingdom of God; it is already among them! Rather, we make the most of each day to live our lives for the Lord.
Luke’s Gospel reveals the Lord’s drive to travel and announce the Kingdom of God, and as His disciples this same urgency underscores our need to proclaim our faith to all we meet.
Three Great Things 