“Joyfully exclaiming the Awesomeness of God and His Splendour!”
(Based on Heb 10:32-39 and Mk 4:26-34 – Friday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)
A family was visiting an art museum.
As they went around with much amazement, excitement and wonder, they came to a famous painting titled “Wheatfield under clouded sky”
This painting was by Vincent Willem van Gogh – a Dutch painter – who posthumously became one of the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art.
He had created about 2,100 artworks, including around 860 oil paintings, include those of landscapes, still lives, portraits and self-portraits
As the children gazed in admiration at this classical painting, the mother of the family, exclaimed:
“If this work of art, that portrays the beauty of nature, makes us acclaim so much…
… how much more is the Beauty, Power and Goodness of the God Who has created all of this nature!”
And with a great sense of gratitude and appreciation to the Awesomeness of God, she went on to say:
“God writes with a pen that never blots…
… speaks with a tongue that never slips
… and acts with a hand that never fails!”
Yes, our God is an awesome God!
And the entire world – all of nature – beautifully sings forth the glory and splendour of God, Who is in total charge!
The Gospel of Day is a beautiful narration of Jesus, using an example from nature, to teach about the Glory and Splendour of God.
All through His teaching ministry, Jesus used different examples, metaphors and symbols to explain about the Kingdom of God.
Today, Jesus speaks about a man who scatters seeds on the land.
Without his awareness there is a growth.
“…and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how” (Mk 4:27)
One of the most tender ideas that this parable presents is that there are many things in life that are not understood and yet, it turns out to be beautiful!
The seed that grows, unnoticed and unseen, is a sign of the Kingdom of God.
The seed takes root.
The seed sprouts.
The seed grows.
But HOW this takes place, is unknown and unseen…
The effect of the growth is seen, but the process of the growth is unknown!
The result of the progress is observed, but the manner of the progress is hidden!
In John 3:8, we read, “The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes… so it is with everyone born of the Spirit”
The movement of the Spirit of God is gentle and mild!
The growth of God’s Kingdom is hidden and concealed!
This points to the tremendous fact that God is in total charge and control!
…that God is in perfect sovereignty and power!
…that God is in total dominion and management!
We are sometimes people prone to a lot of strategies and planning.
When things don’t turn out the way we have planned, we get worried and anxious.
When situations don’t fall in line with what we envisaged, we get tensed and upset!
But, today God tells… I am in total control!
When my life seems to be in a complete mess and nothing is understood by us…
God says, “I am in total control”
When circumstances around me go haywire and I lose control of things…
God says, “I am in total control”
When conditions are highly worse and it seems to be the end of the world for me…
God says, “I am in total control”
This is not to say that we need to have a passive and lethargic attitude to life.
This is not to say that we need to have a casual and a lazy mentality in life.
This is not even to say that we should not have plans and strategies in our life
But this is a great reminder to know and realise that God is the Ultimate Master!
There are no accidents… no “by chance” happenings…
… for a Christian.
Everything finds its place, in the Permissive Will of the Lord!
Do I trust in Him to lead through the dark moments into light?
Do I believe in Him to lead through the depressing moments into joy?
Do I have faith in Him to lead through the confusing moments to clarity?
Let us enjoy the silent working of the Spirit within us, and be part of the
… unseen, yet dynamic..
… silent, yet spectacular…
growth of the Kingdom of God!
As we gaze at the “large canvas of miracles” that we experience every day, every moment of our life…
… let us joyfully exclaim the Awesomeness of God and His Splendour, by confessing:
“God writes with a pen that never blots…
… speaks with a tongue that never slips
… and acts with a hand that never fails!”
God Bless! Live Jesus!
Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK – SACRAMENT OF THE SICK
The Church believes and confesses that among the seven sacraments there is one especially intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness, the Anointing of the Sick
This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New TestamentIt is alluded to indeed by Mark, but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the apostle and brother of the Lord. (CCC #1511)
Reflection Capsules 