＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Hebrews 10:32-39

 Remember the first days when you were enlightened.

You had to undergo a hard struggle in the face of suffering. Publicly you were exposed to humiliations and trials, and had to share the sufferings of others who were similarly treated.

 You showed solidarity with those in prison; you were dispossessed of your goods and accepted it gladly for you knew you were acquiring a much better and more durable possession. Do not now throw away your confidence that will be handsomely rewarded. 

Be patient in doing the will of God, and the promise will be yours: A little, a little longer—says Scripture—and he who is coming will come; he will not delay. My righteous one will live if he believes; but if he distrusts, I will no longer look kindly on him.

 We are not among those who withdraw and perish, but among those who believe and win personal salvation.

 

Ps 37:3-4, 5-6, 23-24, 39-40

The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Mark 4:26-34

 Jesus also said, “In the kingdom of God it is like this. A man scatters seed upon the soil. Whether he is asleep or awake, be it day or night, the seed sprouts and grows, he knows not how.

 The soil produces of itself; first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when it is ripe for harvesting they take the sickle for the cutting: the time for harvest has come.”

Jesus also said, “What is the kingdom of God like? To what shall we compare it? It is like a mustard seed which, when sown, is the smallest of all the seeds scattered upon the soil.

 But once sown, it grows up and becomes the largest of the plants in the gar­den and even grows branches so big that the birds of the air can take shelter in its shade.”

 Jesus used many such stories or parables, to proclaim the word to them in a way they would be able to understand. He would not teach them with­out parables; but privately to his disciples he explained every­thing.

 

Gospel Reflection：

Stories are favorite vehicles of many great teachers in history to transmit their teachings. Jesus is not an exception. He uses imagery culled from everyday life to explain what the kingdom of God is.

The beauty of this technique is that it is openended. The hearer will continue to ponder on the story and slowly discovers new truths. It is like peeling a cabbage layer after layer and each time, new truth is encountered.

Thus the hearer is engaged in a process of discovering little by little the deep truths of the kingdom of God that is multi-faceted.