Reflection -- The Already and the Not Yet

Jesus frequently taught in “parables,” like the ones in today’s gospel text comparing the reign of God to growing seed.  Many of his parables use such everyday objects and experiences to teach about the mysteries of God.

The reign of God, or in some translations the “kingdom” of God, is a recurring theme in Jesus’ teaching.  In addition to being a more inclusive term, “reign” is probably the better translation.  In her book, The Parables, Madeleine I. Boucher points out why:  “The word ‘kingdom’ suggests a territory or a community.  But the idea is rather of God reigning in our lives as individuals and as a society; it is God’s saving activity in history.”  The birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is the supreme example of the reign of God, God breaking into history. 

The reign of God is often spoken of as the “already and not yet.”  History is full of evidence of God breaking through in the past, but Christian faith also looks forward to a day when God’s reign will be established in completeness and the ills of this world will be banished.  These two parables from today’s lesson about the growing crop and the mustard seed have that kind of double meaning.  Jesus seems to be teaching that there is a divine plan for history, which must unfold over time.  The reign of God grows from humble beginnings, like a mustard seed or a baby born in a stable, and slowly matures to a magnificent culmination.

The reign of God is a matter that intimately involves God’s people.  Boucher notes that it is “a reality which transforms the existence of all humankind.”  The potential for the growth of the reign of God in the individual human heart is there in all of us.  The planting may begin with words spoken by a friend or a stranger; a small kernel of truth that takes root in a corner of our spirit.  Over time, it can thrive and grow into magnificent faith. 

This growing seed of faith requires care and, at times, painful pruning.  Our part may be providing the best possible growing conditions.  An excellent instruction for this kind of “gardening” comes from Paul:  “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” 

Remember too that the growing season can not be rushed.  Have patience not only with others, but with yourself.  Keep saying “yes” to God.  Try to see, as God does, the “not yet” of coming wonder and not just the humble “already.”

revclay

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Mark 4:26-34

[Jesus] 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.

[NRSV]