Proper 6, June 16th, 2024
Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.” He also said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples. Mark 4:26-34
Many young people I knew growing up had necklaces or bracelets with mustard seeds in them. These were reminded, maybe given by Sunday School teachers, of how our seemingly small service and ministries can be blessed and grow. We often don't know the impact of the small seeds we sew of love and compassion. Often times, the maturity and abundance is known long after we have stepped away. The Creator blesses the small gift, the kind intent, the selfless sharing and grows those small, overlooked offerings, into the greatest blessings for others.
A Litany for Sunday, June 16th, 2024
Creator God, you know us all by name
and have planted your heart in each
inviting us to trust in the blessings given
and the yield that is surely to come.
Help us, Lord, to have the faith to expect your blessings.
We often think we are inadequate for our work
or feel we are too limited for the journey ahead
we fail to plant when it seems like nothing grows
and we fail to see your love working around us.
Help us, Lord, to have the faith to expect your blessings.
Our sight is limited, and our strength diminished
yet your kingdom is always full of abundance
we may not see the benefit of what we sow today
yet you will provide for today and for tomorrow.
Help us, Lord, to have the faith to expect your blessings.
Our world is fraught with division and violence
yet you remind us to have faith at all times.
Help us, Lord, to have the faith to expect your blessings.
We see your face and hope in the children here
and want to do our all for the seventh generation.
Help us, Lord, to have the faith to expect your blessings.
Renew our hearts, our minds and our spirits
so we might offer your love and hope in these times.
Help us, Lord, to have the faith to expect your blessings. Amen.
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