Focusing the Gospel

Key words and phrases: This is how it is, kingdom of God, scatter seed, harvest has come, seed ... sown, becomes the largest of plants

To the point: “This is how it is,” Jesus says in this Gospel. Yet there is no single way to describe the “kingdom of God.” Here Jesus uses two similar parables to teach us that the kingdom is realized in the intersection of our own work (plant the seed) with God’s work (the mystery of life growing and bearing fruit). The Good News is that God's kingdom is assured—the scattered seed will yield a harvest; the tiny seed will grow into a large plant. “This is [really] how it is!”

… to the First Reading: The First Reading describes all the work God does to bring forth life. The Gospel tells us that this life is the kingdom of God become visible and fruitful.reasing the quality of life within and around her.

… to experience: Much of what we do successfully every day depends upon our cooperation with others. Making visible God's kingdom is first of all the work of God, but isn't it wonderful that God chooses to invite us to cooperate in this great work!