Pentecost 2 (Proper 6B), June 14, 2009
BCP: Ezek. 31:1-6, 10-14; Psalm 92 or 92:1-4, 11-14; 2 Cor. 5:1-10; Mark 4:26-34
RCL: 1 Sam. 15:34–16:13 or Ezek. 17:22-24; Psalm 20 or 92:1-4, 11-14; 2 Cor. 5:6-10, (11-13), 14-17; Mark 4:26-34
Little things can be big things. A small stream can eventually wear away a mighty rock. A small favor can sometimes reconcile an enemy, or make a friend. A small encouragement can brighten another person’s day, or make a daunting task seem much less difficult. A small detail can sometimes be the difference that makes an outstanding performance. A simple expression of love can surpass the most expensive gift in significance.
A life-changing event can happen in a moment. Nothing is small or insignificant when it comes to faith. Jesus likens the kingdom of God to a small mustard seed. The seed may seem insignificant, but it can grow into the greatest of shrubs (Mark 5:31-32).
The significance of the seed is not in its initial identity, but in its magnificent potential. If we see only the seed, and ignore what it can become, we seriously misunderstand. It can become much more than a small, individual seed.
The kingdom of God also can seem small at first glance. There is no shortage of bad news in the world, and we may wish eagerly for more frequent signs of God’s presence and love. But if we listen carefully, we may detect the signs of God’s presence around us. We may hear God’s guidance in the words of a friend. We may find God at work in the circumstances and seeming coincidences of our lives. We may feel God’s love in the concern of another person. We may know God’s extraordinary presence in the small and ordinary things of our lives.
Even when our faith is small, it expresses our continuing relationship with God. We can join with the man who said to Jesus, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). God’s love for us is generous and ample for our needs, even when our response seems small. Our imperfect love is the seed of faith. God perfects our imperfection, and will draw the seed of our faith into the fullness of glory.
Look It Up
See John Cawood’s hymn text, “Almighty God, your word is cast like seed upon the ground” (Hymn 589).
Think About It
How have you found God present in the small things of life? How can you use small things to share God’s love in the world?
Next Sunday
Pentecost 3 (Proper 7B), June 21, 2009
BCP: Job 38:1-11, 16-18; Psalm 107:1-32 or 107:1-3, 23-32; 2 Cor. 5:14-21; Mark 4:35-41 (5:1-20)
RCL: 1 Sam. 17:(1a, 4-11, 19-23), 32-49 and Psalm 9:9-20 or 1 Sam.17:57-18:5, 10-16 and Psalm 133 or Job 38:1-11 and Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32; 2 Cor. 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41
