The Seed of Faith

06-12-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. James Aboyi, V.C.

Scientists have identified seven basic characteristics of living things: movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion and nutrition. Of the seven, the process of growth is uniquely different in that it takes place gradually and continuously throughout the life span of the organism. While growth can be observed and measured over time, the actual process of growth at the cellular level is not generally visible to the human eye. In the Gospel today, Jesus uses the parables of the mystery of growth to illustrate the nature of the Kingdom of God. Just as the farmer cannot understand or explain the process of growth that takes place between the time of sowing the seed and the time of harvesting, so also it is difficult for us to fully understand the nature of the Kingdom of God and how it grows throughout our lives and among us.

The parables reveal that the Kingdom of God begins as a tiny seed of faith planted in our lives; it grows throughout our lives, transforming us and the society around us. Our faith is like a mustard seed. It started at our Baptism and grows if we water and nurture it. This calls for our reflection on how we nourish the seed of faith in our lives. What spiritual book are you reading right now to grow in your faith? What prayers, spiritual activities or charity works are you doing right now to nourish your faith? A fully grown faith can influence many people and transform the world around us. Often, we may feel that our own faith is insignificant, as small as a mustard seed. Jesus assures us that the Spirit is working in and through the tiny seed of faith in our lives. Like the farmer in the parable, we need to be patient as we nourish the seed of faith and allow the Lord to initiate the process of spiritual growth in our lives.

The parable also invites us to plant the seeds of faith in the lives of others around us. We do not always have to plant the seeds of faith through theological preaching and miraculous healing, but we can do that in many simple ways such as an act of charity or compassion given to someone in need, an invitation to prayers, support to someone in despair, a friendly gesture towards someone in trouble, or a welcoming smile for someone who is alone. Through such seemingly insignificant gestures, we may plant the seed of faith and allow it to begin to take root in the lives of others which may grow into a fruitful harvest in their lives.

Thank you and remain blessed,

Fr. James