Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

He also 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.

I love this “parable of the growing seed” because Jesus offers us a surprisingly simple description of discipleship: sow the seed, then sleep. The farmer does not control the growth. He does not stay awake worrying over the soil. He scatters the seed, rests, rises, and trusts that life is quietly unfolding.

This parable reminds us that our task in the Kingdom of God is not to force results, but to be faithful. We are called to “sow the seed” through love, service, prayer, patience, and small daily acts of goodness. Then we are invited to “sleep,” to rest in God and entrust the outcome to Him.

A Trappist monk once said, “To plant a seed is to activate the deepest mysteries of the universe.” Each small act done in faith participates in God’s hidden work, even when we cannot see its effects.

In a restless world that seeks control and quick results, Jesus invites us to trust. Growth belongs to God alone. When we learn to sow and to sleep, we discover freedom, peace, and deeper faith.

Lord God, teach us to sow faithfully and to rest peacefully. Help us to trust Your hidden work, knowing that You bring growth in Your time and in Your way. Amen.