Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Sunday, June 13, 2021 | Ordinary Time

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Year B

First Reading         Ezekiel 17:22–24

Psalm                 Psalm 92:2–3, 13–16

Second Reading         2 Corinthians 5:6–10

Gospel                 Mark 4:26–34

     We’re used to living in a democratic system, in which the people decide what they wish for, and their representatives pass laws to make it happen. Jesus lived during the time of the Roman Empire, which is different from our form of government today. The Roman Empire was the one who decided what was good for the Empire. Not the people.

    It’s no secret that the historical record of America is filled with the sacrifices made by many men and women who did everything they could in order to make our country what it is today. In this country, we love our rights and we demand to be able to exercise them. Yet, no one ever talks about the responsibilities that we have that come with those rights. 

    It seems like all we’re doing is attacking and using the government as a way to solve all of our problems. As soon as the government grants us what we desire, we move on to our next wish. It's easy to forget that we are a nation of people who wield the power to act, to help this country succeed. 

    As we read today's reading, Jesus emphasizes how all of us play a role in building God's Kingdom. In other words, God isn't doing all the work alone, nor is he commanding it to just happen. We are instead invited to be participants in the Kingdom. In building the Kingdom of God here on Earth. Every time we pray our Lord's prayer "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven", we pray this. The same as all of those men and women who have fought to build America, we also have a part to play in building the Kingdom of God on earth.  

    It's not a new thing that God is guiding us, he sent prophets, and even he became one of us to show us the way. Jesus said, “To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” (Mark 4:30–32). Now, I must ask myself, what am I doing? What is my responsibility? What am I doing to contribute to God's Kingdom and to build it?

    

    My mind would often wander to the question of why it really matters what I do if I am only one person? But it is important we play our part. Everyone can make a difference in this world if they each do their part. This is what St. Paul reminds us of, since he says "for we walk by faith, not by sight."  (2 Corinthians 5:7). Have faith that you are doing your part, and that is what counts. Don't think that your part isn't important, or that what you do won't make a difference. As our nation wasn't built in one day by one person, so we should believe that each of us plays a significant role in building a better world. We may not notice it, but everyone doing their part is making a difference.

    Remembering what Psalmist said: ”Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall bear fruit even in old age, they will stay fresh and green” (Psalm 92:14–15). What you do matters, what you do is important. As we build the Kingdom of God, let's play our part.