“Whatever you do, think of the glory of God as your main goal.”

  

St. John Bosco, priest

＊＊＊ 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 the 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, in order to proclaim the word to them in a way that they would be able to understand.

He would not teach them without parables; but privately, to his disciples, he explained everything.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

"To keep hoping and trusting God, in patience and perseverance."

The readings today encourage us to practise patience and perseverance in building God's Kingdom.

It grows imperceptibly, without our knowing at times.

This means that we might not see the fruits of our labours and we might grow discouraged

by the seeming lack of success or by the ridicule of our efforts for the Lord.

 

But even in the midst of failure, envy or rejection, the Kingdom of God continues to grow,

like the grain in the field, and so we are to keep hoping and trusting God, in patience and perseverance.

These two characteristics also marked the life and ministry of Saint John Bosco, who built his model of education on loving kindness.

 

He was patient and dignified even in the face of repeated trials and criticism,

maintaining his trust in God. His steadfast faith in the Lord,

coupled with his confidence in the support of Mary Help of Christians produced a rich harvest for the Kingdom.

So, be patient, persevere, and trust in the Lord, for love overcomes all things.