Daily Gospel Reflection for January 27, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Connie Beckman

Today's Gospel: Mark 4:26-34

The parables of Jesus are simple, using seeds, plants, and grain to help us ponder the richness of the Kingdom of God. I can visualize the tiny mustard seed and the scattering of seeds. The man goes out every day to check the seed to see if it sprouts, and then the tiny seed sprouts into a tiny blade and then becomes the full grain in the ear.

I plant a vegetable garden every year, and each day I go out to see if the seeds have sprouted. One day nothing and then the next a very tiny blade. It always amazes me and gives me hope that the seed God planted within me through my Baptism, Confirmation, and receiving Eucharist will produce good fruit little by little.

The tiny mustard seed reminds me of tomato seeds. They are very tiny and yet once sown and watered, it becomes a three- or four-foot tomato plant, which produces many tomatoes. The mustard seed, like the tomato seed, needs water, sunshine, and fertilizer to become the largest of plants.

Sometimes I get too busy and hurry through the readings and rush to Mass with my head filled with lots of things.

When I do this, I am not realizing that the Kingdom of God is in my midst and miss out on many blessings and graces. If the Word of God spoken to me through His Holy Word goes in one ear and out the other, the holy seed God has planted within me will not grow. When I choose to take the time to meditate on His Word and receive Holy Communion, I am opening my heart to hear Jesus speak to me.

Ponder:

Is Jesus asking you to slow down and spend some time in prayer and His holy Word today?

Pray:

Jesus, I surrender my busyness to You. I desire to seek first the Kingdom of God. Come into my heart anew today.

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If the Word of God spoken to me through His Holy Word goes in one ear and out the other, the holy seed God has planted within me will not grow. #DailyGospel

Copyright 2023 Connie Beckman

Connie Beckman resides in Helena, Montana, with her husband and is a member of Saints Cyril & Methodious Parish. Her desire as a writer is to encourage Catholic spiritual growth by sharing the truths of the faith through the written word, addressing a variety of subjects.