Homily For the 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B, June 16, 2024
Never become discouraged when life’s struggles do not yield immediate results. Your daily commitment and perseverance are like a mustard seed; though they may seem insignificant at the beginning, they grow into something substantial through the inner workings of the Holy Spirit and your steadfast dedication–CC Aladi
Sunday Readings
My Dearest Friends In Christ,
On this 11th Sunday of the ordinary time and Father’s day, God speaks to us, His children, to fortify our faith and prevent us from becoming disheartened when our struggles seem to yield little immediate reward. We pray for God’s blessings upon our Fathers that God may Strehghten themin their struggles so they may never become discouraged in their faith and earthly struggles
It is natural for us to expect quick and significant returns on our efforts in various aspects of life. Preachers may long for the immediate conversion of their listeners. Parents may yearn for swift transformation in their wayward children. Teachers may lose patience with slow learners, and those in relationships might desire immediate changes in their partners. These human expectations often lead to disappointment and discouragement. Many are swayed by the worldly philosophy of “get it fast today, for tomorrow may be late.”
The Seed of Faith like our Earthly Endeavours Grows Slowly
Today, the word of God challenges our beliefs and assumptions, teaching us that in the divine realm, the seed of faith grows slowly but steadily. The Parable of the Mustard Seed is one of Jesus’ didactic tools, instructing His first disciples and us not to feel discouraged when our struggles do not yield the immediate results we expect. This parable illustrates the growth of God’s kingdom and the maturation of faith in our lives, encouraging us to persist in our efforts.
Patience and perseverance are crucial. Allow me to share a personal experience with an iPad that taught me a valuable lesson. One day, the iPad’s battery drained completely. Despite plugging it in to charge, there was no sign of charging after 10 minutes. I considered two possibilities: either the charger was faulty, or the iPad had crashed. After buying a new charger the iPad still showed no sign of life. However, the next day, after more patience and persistence, the charging indicator finally appeared, and the battery charged to 100%.
This experience taught me that even when we do not see immediate results, something is actually happening beneath the surface. Similarly, our faith and efforts may require time and persistence to show visible growth. We should not rush or become discouraged.
God’s Kingdom Is The Growth Of God’s Rule In Our Hearts
Today, in the Gospel Jesus speaks to us about the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God represents the growth of God’s rule in human hearts, achieved when we do His will and surrender our lives to Him. The seed of faith within each of us, when nurtured by the Holy Spirit with tender loving care, grows into something miraculous. Though the growth may be slow and initially microscopic, it is powered by the Holy Spirit through the word of God, the Mass, the Sacraments, and prayer. As we learn and practice God’s will, we participate in the growth of His Kingdom on earth, which will be fulfilled in our Heavenly life.
Neglecting the word of God leads to spiritual starvation, just as a lack of oxygen, water, or blood leads to physical harm. God’s word is essential for nurturing His life within us. We die spiritually when we ignore or avoid living by God’s word. The Holy Spirit is the vital force that enables our growth in faith and transformation.
Advance The Growth of God’s Kingdom By Doing His Will
In the first reading from Ezekiel (Ez 17:22-24), we hear a Messianic prophecy about the Lord sending a descendant of King David as the Messiah and Savior. In the second reading, St. Paul encourages the Corinthian Christians to advance the growth of God’s Kingdom by doing His will, promising them ample rewards in the final judgment. In the Gospel, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to the germination of a wheat seed and a mustard seed, both starting small but growing steadily and significantly.
God’s Does Not expect Immedaite Greatness but our Little Daily Commitment
Do not be shy to accept a humble beginning. Do not be discouraged by small starts. God does not expect immediate greatness but rather our commitment to the little we have begun. Like a farmer nurturing a tiny grain of corn, we must nurture the word of God in our lives while He grants the increase. Greatness is achieved through lifelong struggle, commitment, and persistence. The Parable of the Mustard Seed affirms that “slow and steady wins the race.”
Since the acceptance of God’s rule is a gradual process, we may face discouragement and hopelessness. However, recognizing that the growth of God’s Kingdom is the work of the Holy Spirit, with our humble cooperation, should make us optimistic. We should continue sowing seeds of love, encouragement, charity, mercy, and forgiveness.
May God’s word blossom in our lives. May the seed of faith in us germinate into a strong and unshakeable force.
May God’s Kingdom Grow Within You
I keep you and your family always in my prayers. ©Clem C. Aladi (2024)
