On Sunday, before thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square, Holy Father Pope Francis explained the two parables about the Kingdom of God from the Gospel of the day before the recitation of the Angelus. His Holiness Pope Francis highlighted that “Jesus uses the first parable (Mark 26-29) to compare the Kingdom of God to the mysterious growth of a seed which is sown, sprouts, grows and produces grain independent of the care of the farmer.”
As reported by Vatican news, Holy Father Pope Francis remarked that “When human history seems to develop contrary to the will of God, we are called to live this period as a season of trial, of hope and in vigilant waiting for the harvest. The Kingdom grows mysteriously; its power is hidden in a small seed that is filled with victorious vitality. When times are dark, we need to trust in God’s quiet but powerful action, and remain anchored in God’s faithfulness, in his presence which always saves.” Further, His Holiness added, “The meaning of this parable is the logic God’s unpredictability which is not easy for us to accept. Jesus invites us to a faith that exceeds calculation and forecasts. It is an invitation to open ourselves with greater generosity to God’s plans over our own personal … plans. The Lord offers us occasions to be involved in his dynamics of love, of welcoming, and of mercy toward all. It is up to us to be aware of those opportunities.”
The Pontiff concluded his remarks by exhorting that “courageously moving forward in trust and humble abandonment in God” is the means by which we can judge the “authenticity of the mission of the Church”. Placing ourselves in God’s hands, aware of “being small and weak instruments”, we can accomplish great works” and allow “his Kingdom —a kingdom of justice, peace and joy in the Spirit—to progress”.
