Today is the feast of Saints Timothy and Titus. There are two options for the Epistle. Paul addresses Timothy in one and Titus in the other. The Psalm is a hymn of praise to the Lord. The Gospel compares the Kingdom of God to a seed.

This Gospel got me thinking about how seeds grow. The first thing that comes to mind is that most seeds are not big and remarkable and when it comes to using an example Jesus chooses one that is truly small, the mustard seed. One can plant seeds, but the sprouting and growth are things that we can only support but not control. The weather plays an undeniable role as to if, when and how a sprout will grow. (We are discovering that even highly developed methods of cultivation may not be sustainable.) I find myself thinking of how much I want to be in control and contrast this with how much really is in the hands of the transcendent.

As a physics instructor, I would discuss with my students the lessons of agriculture. Long-term success in a discipline and in an open field share a lot in common. The process involves patience and regular effort. If you want to retain something, you consider it regularly, you don’t cram. It was interesting to note how many students chose the wrong path. They were easily identified as those who could do well on an individual test or quiz but would end up with a grade that was less than what they wanted because of a poor grade on the comprehensive final exam. The process for a seed to come to maturity provided a good model. You can’t plant, grow, and harvest the night before you want your crop.

In His model for the Kingdom of God Jesus chooses the mustard seed, a seemingly insignificant seed. I am reminded of Jesus’ seemingly insignificant birth. There is process that requires patience. Jesus matures and even after His public ministry and death, the process still requires more time for the movement to develop. When I think of the mustard plant, I not only think of its size, but I recognize the large number of new seeds that go into the next generation. From today’s Gospel I take away reminders of patience, fortitude, and trust in God’s work. I am also given pause as to what I consider to be great and what I consider to be insignificant.

We are at the beginning of an election year. I watch the numerous ad messages for candidates, and I contrast them with Jesus’ parable of the seed. My prayer today is for myself and for those who wish to lead.

Dear Lord,
I think of how often I miss the value of things that are seemingly insignificant.
I must admit how often I have wrongly given respect and consent to people of wealth and power.
Forgive me for the opportunities that I have missed by not recognizing the true prophets.
I think of how often I miss the value of things that require patience.
I was blessed in many aspects receiving things in disproportionately short order.
I came to expect things when I wanted them, more like an emperor instead of a steward.
I even confess to buying lottery tickets, not as a shortcut to personal wealth,
but as a pathway to funding projects to make the world a better place in my time frame.
Grant me patience and trust that Your Kingdom will come.