Fr Paul reads the Gospel from Mark (4: 26-34) in which Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a seed, scattered by a man, that grows he knows not how.

Jesus was from the country, from the rich agricultural plains of Galilee where wheat and fruit were everywhere. It was, therefore, natural for him to use these images when preaching about the kingdom of God.

Today’s gospel has two images, the seed growing secretly and the mustard seed. Fr Paul says, whatever meaning we can apply to these two images both show God is in charge; that God has great plans; and these plans will be fulfilled despite our own inadequacies.

For our reflection Fr Paul asks us to consider ‘Do I allow God to take charge? Or do I continue to try to keep everything under my control? How can I, weak and frail as I am, help God to fulfil his plans?’