This gospel by Mark was the first written somewhere around 65-70 A.D. It was likely after the great prosecution in Rome when both Peter and Paul were martyred. The early Christian community that had flourished after Jesus’ resurrection was now facing persecution and suffering on account of their faith. These early Christian communities needed hope if they were to survive! In today’s readings, Mark recounts two very similar agricultural parables that Jesus used to teach about the kingdom of God. In the first parable, Jesus describes the kingdom of God like a man who scatters seed on the land, waking to find it having grown to yield fruit, followed by the harvest. The second parable is the familiar story of the planting of the smallest of all seeds, the mustard seed, and the joy in seeing it grow into the “largest of plants” with many branches “so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” In both parables, Jesus uses the images of a seed to explain how the “kingdom of God” grows and matures individual souls into His Holy Church. There is a contrast between the small beginning (scattered seed and tiny mustard seed) and the growth to full fruition (fully grown grain and a large plant). Growth occurs in quiet, mysterious ways according to a plan beyond human understanding. The clear implication is that God’s hand is at work in mysterious ways in building His kingdom on earth. And the kingdom is universal as indicated in the large mustard plant able to shade the birds of the sky. It is for all humanity. Jesus is offering a powerful message of hope in the face of suffering. He knows His disciples will face suffering of all kinds. He knows there will be many hardships in their lives. Yet, He is urging them to have faith that God is always in control with a plan for the seed to come to fruition. There will also come a time to celebrate the good harvest. The harvester is God who will in the fullness of time gather all true believers into His kingdom in Heaven. Like those early Christians, suffering and obstacles will be part of our life. But take comfort and hold steady in faith that God is always in control. Evil and death are never the last word. God’s plan will triumph. But remember we are part of God’s plan. He asks all of us to do our part to nurture His growing kingdom in all that we say and do. We must use the talents we’ve been given. Will we be judged as good and faithful servants at the harvest of the final judgement?