11th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Parishioners,

As we return to Ordinary Time on Sundays, the harvest images provide a framework for stories of growth in this week’s Liturgy. The First Reading from the Prophet Ezekiel stirs our imagination with a flourish of nature images of various stages of growth. In the Gospel of Saint Mark, Jesus invites the crowds to envision the Kingdom of God in two ways. First, is an analogy of the kingdom at harvest time, after much patience and nurturing the seed. The second parable tells the familiar story of the tiny mustard seed. Jesus uses images of agriculture in the Gospel to help the people understand His message. Although farming is dependent on many variables the farmer has no control over; however, the seed of faith planted in our hearts is totally in our control. Will we take the time to weed? Will we take the time to water? May the seed of faith planted within each of us continue to grow each day.

As we continue to reflect on the Mass, during this year of Eucharist and Saint Joseph, today’s homily will be geared to the Creed. The Creed is our response to God who has just spoken to us in the Readings—it is our joyful YES to God’s Word and our acceptance of His invitation to life with Him. In the Creed, each one of us recommit ourselves to God—to our beliefs—and to a life of discipleship.

Have a Blessed Summer Week!