As They Were Able to Understand It

January 27, 2012

Third Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

By Melanie Rigney

So while Joab was besieging the city, (David) assigned Uriah to a place where he knew the defenders were strong. When the men of the city made a sortie against Joab, some officers of David's army fell, and among them Uriah the Hittite died. (2 Samuel 11:16-17)

Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. (Psalms 51:3)

(Jesus said to the people), “To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade." With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. (Mark 4:30-33)

Piety

Lord, thank You for speaking my language.

Study

Sometimes, it’s puzzling. The homily that went on forever, that had you planning your grocery list, kept the person sitting next to you in rapt attention. Or the book on the Eucharist that had you reading slowly and savoring every word just didn’t do it for your spouse. Or the morning devotion you read on a Web site spoke to you in one way, while it had an entirely different meaning for the others in your prayer group.

Isn’t God amazing, the way He provides food in the manner that works for each of us?

Jesus told the people of his day stories, because that’s what resonated with them. He could have stood and expounded on Mosaic law or the Torah, but those he was seeking to save through his death and resurrection were everyday people. They understood seeds and bushes. They could touch and taste them. Later, they would understand the metaphor, that from similar small beginnings would come the comfort and grace of God’s kingdom.

Today, those of us who find this parable easy to find may struggle with others—the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, for example, or that of the prodigal son. That’s all right. With God’s help, we’ll eventually come closer to bringing their message to bear in our lives. In the meantime, let’s give thanks for the ways in which God speaks what we need, when we need it.

Action

What is God saying to you through the parable of the mustard seed? Is there a place in your own life where a bit of faith could help your heart and soul grow and provide shade to others?