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.
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.
As Peter receives the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, we know that we have hope for our hearts; for although the netherworld will not prevail in this spiritual battle, it will seek to keep us from Christ, who offers strength for our souls.
Jesus offers a parable about the Kingdom of Heaven that offers us hope in God’s abundant mercy throughout our lives. Even to our last breath, the Lord extends to us compassion and grace. May we accept it today!
Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God starts small but over time grows larger and is transformed. The same is true for our spiritual journey, reminding us to take the small steps we need to do today to become the disciples the Lord calls us to be.
The readings this Sunday both challenge and console us to foster unity, endure discipline, and focus on the Kingdom of Heaven. While life will not be easy, God will give us what need for the journey.
The Lord uses the image of a banquet to teach us about the power, beauty and expectation of the Kingdom of Heaven. Our journey through this life provides countless opportunities for us to prepare our souls to join this heavenly feast. Are we ready?
The Lord teaches that our actions today result in eternal consequences. As we offer the gift of our lives may we be guided by the light of the Kingdom of Heaven.
