Thoughts for the Day

Jesus said therefore, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

I have been reflecting on buddleias. Some years ago I planted a buddleia at my son's house. It was a small plant and it flowered fine, but many years later with no attention from anyone it was still fairly small. However, in my new garden are two very large buddleia trees. So what I asked myself is the difference? Well the first was planted in rubble, it was attacked by the winter winds that cut across the flat land behind, it had no shelter, and it was never pruned. The buddleias in the new garden were planted in fertile soil, they have been pruned and shaped each year, and are in a sheltered location.

Jesus says the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed that grows into a tree. My reflection on buddleias and the Kingdom of God (since I don't have a mustard tree here) leads me to think: if the Kingdom of God is to continue growing, it needs:

• Someone to plant the seed - a christian to take the good news of Jesus Christ to others.
• Fertile soil - a welcoming Church to foster growth in the new Christian.
• Protection from harsh weather - a united Church that seeks only to serve Christ.
• Regular pruning - constant prayer, to learn from Christ how to adapt to changing circumstances.

As the Philosopher Kant once said: "To grow is to change." Perhaps he also should have said: "To grow is to be pruned", that is to be shaped by circumstances and by Christ.

Lord Jesus,
help us to plant seeds of Your Kingdom -
to find those who will listen
and who are ready to hear Your message of love.
Help us to work to make our church welcoming
to all those who enter its doors,
and may we accept the problems that life brings
knowing that we are being changed by You
to become the people You would have us be.
Amen.