Preparation for Total Consecration

WEEK 2:
SELF-KNOWLEDGE

All of us have strengths and weaknesses on the emotional, psychological and physical levels. They interact. The more we have some understanding of what is happening, the better for ourselves and those among whom we live. It is helpful to consider this in the light of the ideal of Jesus.

Third Day: Mk. 4: 30-32

THE COURAGE TO PLANT

Parable.With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? ... It is like a grain of mustard seed which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs ... so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.

Reflection.'Small is beautiful' for some today, and discouraging for many. The state or wider authority should never do for the individual or smaller group what they can reasonably do for themselves. This can take away self-respect, initiative and individual responsibility.

Others see God as self-evidently present whenever the sun is shining. If it is a going concern, popular, and has the approval of contemporary opinion, then clearly the enterprise is a success and blessed by God.

On which side does the Gospel come down? Where do I look for perspective? The parable is surely saying that I must never be discouraged by appearances. Wherever right and the Gospel are concerned I must have the courage and hope not to be afraid to plant what may seem to be 'the smallest of all seeds'.

The new Testament shows our Lord, Saint Paul, and the early Church doing just that. The grain of wheat must be planted to produce a harvest. From the villages of Palestine to the crucifixion on Calvary may seem an unpromising seed-bed. As we now know, Jesus' loyalty to his Father's will was blessed by resurrection and his presence among us still. In my discouragement am I sufficiently aware of that reality?

Prayer.Lord Jesus, how easily am I discouraged. You tell me not to judge by appearances, only have the courage to plant. The seed of the kingdom, even in today's world, needs only to be planted by individual Christians for you to bring it to harvest. Give me the courage to do that.

May your Mother, praying at the heart of the Church, encourage us to attempt great things for you.

Montfort.'Mary will share her faith with you, a courageous faith which inspires you to undertake and carry out great things for God and the salvation of souls' (TD 214).