Gospel: January 31, 2025

January 31, 2025 (Friday)

3rd Week in Ordinary Time

Psalter: Week 3 / (White)

St. John Bosco, priest

Ps 37:3-4, 5-6, 23-24, 39-40

The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

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1st Reading: Hebrews 10:32-39

Gospel: Mark 4:26-34

Jesus also said, “In the kingdom of God it is like this: a man scatters seed upon the soil. Whether he is asleep or awake, be it day or night, the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The soil produces of itself; first, the blade; then, the ear; then the full grain in the ear. And when it is ripe for harvesting, they take the sickle for the cutting: the time for the harvest has come.” Jesus also said, “What is the kingdom of God like? To what shall we compare it? It is like a mustard seed which, when sown, is the smallest of all the seeds scattered upon the soil. But once sown, it grows up and becomes the largest of the plants in the garden; and even grows branches so big, that the birds of the air can take shelter in its shade.” Jesus used many such stories, in order to proclaim the word to them in a way that they would be able to understand. He would not teach them without parables; but privately, to his disciples, he explained everything.

Reflection:

“To keep hoping and trusting God, in patience and perseverance.”

The readings today encourage us to practice patience and perseverance in building God’s Kingdom. It grows imperceptibly, without our knowing at times. This means that we might not see the fruits of our labors and we might grow discouraged by the seeming lack of success or by the ridicule of our efforts for the Lord. But even in the midst of failure, envy or rejection, the Kingdom of God continues to grow, like the grain in the field, and so we are to keep hoping and trusting God, in patience and perseverance. These two characteristics also marked the life and ministry of St. John Bosco, who built his model of education on loving kindness. He was patient and dignified even in the face or repeated trials and criticism, maintaining his trust in God. His steadfast faith in the Lord, coupled with his confidence in the support of Mary Help of Christians produced a rich harvest for the Kingdom. So, be patient, persevere, and trust in the Lord, for love overcomes all things.