The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
As we settle into Ordinary Time, a season in the Church most notably recognized by the green vestments and altar cloths, I think it is quite fitting that we are gifted with this theme of nature in today’s readings.
First, we hear how the Lord plants a tree and….”it shall put forth branches and bear fruit, and become a majestic cedar” and again in the Gospel it speaks of how the mustard seed “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.”
As I was reflecting particularly on today’s Gospel, I could easily recall homilies focusing on the beginning and the end of the mustard seed’s story. Talking about the seed being planted or the fully grown tree providing shade and safety. But as I read through it again, I couldn’t help but think about all the in-between-ness of the story. We can assume there were good years and bad years, years with plenty of rain and years of drought. If we were to take a look at the rings on the inside of the trunk, what would they tell us about it’s journey to becoming so “majestic”?
We too are called to this majesty, but at the same time are very much on a journey with good seasons and bad seasons. Where do you find yourself right now? Perhaps you are in a time of drought or famine, where you are simply trying to put one foot in front of the other, or maybe you are in a time of growth and flourishing, where all is right in your corner of the world.
Heading into this week, likely filled with sunshine and warm temperatures (summer has arrived in Houston y’all), I want to encourage you to seek out a tree and “dwell under its shade” for a few moments. While reflecting on all the stormy and beautiful seasons the tree has endured, allow yourself to invite the Lord into that space and speak to him about where you might be struggling or rejoicing in your life. Allow His majesty to comfort you, to guide you, and to inspire you, in all the in-between-ness.
Susie Lopez is a life-long Texan who enjoys training for marathons, baseball games, bacon, and jamming to 80’s songs in H-E-B. She works for a Catholic apostolate, the St. John Paul II Foundation, where she gets to serve the Church with her “Martha”-like gifts and talents, while learning to become more like “Mary.” Come say hello on Instagram.