Mark 4:26-34
“I can do everything”, “Everything is under control”. These expressions summarise the mindset of people living in Western society. There is no room for doubt, imperfection, impossibility, or for waiting too long. Any need should be fulfilled immediately. This way of thinking is problematic, particularly in extraordinary situations. People trust in science and technology. They often trust in almost a miraculous impact of money on the quality or the time needed to achieve what is willed. Examples: 1) I’m sick – I want to be cured immediately, 2) My car is broken down – it needs to be fixed by tonight, 3) I’ve got a desire to become a lawyer – I must be accepted this year, not later, 4) I want to become a priest – let’s do it as soon as possible 5) I want to have a Big Mac – “why do I need to wait for it so long?” One can see in it a lack of ability to let the needed time be taken with patience. The goals in the examples above are not evil, as well as in many other particular situations. However, the person’s approach to achieving a good aim is obscured by a lack of patience and rushing to the goal. Behind it, there is a deep desire to have everything under control and to count only on own potential to make the goal real more easily and quickly.
Jesus tells us two parables in today’s Gospel. First, there is a man who has thrown seed on the land. Second, there is a seed thrown in the soil which grows into a plant. One of the traps in our spiritual life is the discouragement of not achieving the planned goals quickly. It might be a case in regard to spiritual consolations, or when one expects to receive some asked graces or overcome some repeated sins. It is so easy to be disappointed with a lack of effects. The Gospel passage reminds us that it is not true that everything depends on us, and we can achieve everything immediately. The growth requires its natural time. There is some space for God’s action since we cannot do much without His grace. We need to trust in God. Only He can bring any desire to fulfilment. Our duty is to give God a space for His action, give this suitable ground like a man throwing seed on the appropriate land, to give the water of sacraments, give time for prayer…and to be patient. Let us ask God to increase in us this virtue of patience.
Łukasz Gołąb – Seminary of the Good Shepherd, Sydney, Australia
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