“the seed would sprout and grow”
How does the parable stress the interior life? In the parable today, Jesus speaks about the seed being planted. On the one hand, the grain signifies the increase in virtue and morality. “…The seeds of good intentions are sown; these gradually bring for the blade of repentance and ultimately the mature ear of charitable works. When established in virtue, we are made ripe for God’s harvest.” [1] The parable also stresses the action of God’s grace being planted in our soul. “God silently works a transformation in us, whether we sleep or watch, causing resolutions to take shape in our soul – resolutions to be faithful, to surrender ourselves, to respond to grace – until we reach ‘mature manhood’.” [2]
From the Inside Out The song talks about God’s light shining from the inside out of us. We can do this when we allow God to consume us from the inside out.
What happens to us and the culture if we perfect the interior life? As we perfect the interior life the exterior life begins to transform as well. We live what we believe, and we believe what we live. If we say yes to God and we allow Him to cultivate our interior life, then it leads us to care more for him than we care about what others think. As Saint Paul says, “Am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still pleasing me, I should not be a servant of Christ.” (Gal. 1:10) “Rather must we be concerned to make Christ known no matter where we find ourselves, very much aware of the treasure we have found, of the precious pearl we have located after much searching … Many who call themselves Christians show little courage when they should be witnessing to their faith. They seem to be more concerned about the opinion of others than about the judgment of Christ. They often allow themselves to be carried along by the current, afraid of saying anything. This attitude betrays superficiality, lack of deep convictions and little love of God. Naturally enough, at times it will be hard to behave in accordance with what we are, Christians who wish to live their faith at every moment and in every circumstance of life.” [3]
Could we focus only on the interior life? If we only focus on the interior life then we only focus on ourselves and can fall into selfishness. Jesus instructs us to go out and make disciples. He has placed us on a hill, a shining beacon and has called us to change the society from the inside out. “Working from within society, Christians changed it. There the seed fell, then spread to the whole world. Although it was a small seed it carried a divine power, because the seed was Christ’s.” [4] We can see this with the first century Christians in Rome where many men, women and children were converted in every walk of life. From nobility and military to homeless and the lowly, they worked “shoulder to shoulder, in the same jobs as everyone else, facing the same problems, obeying the same laws, unless they were directly contrary to the law of God.” [5]
How can we take what we believe in our interior life to our exterior life? Our interior life starts as a small mustard seed that can grow to the largest bush. Likewise, our little actions can grow to something amazing with God’s grace. “… let us not neglect to do what we can, because God counts on that contribution. Without prayer and sacrifice He will ensure that there is growth and fruit. That ‘little’ we can do may be advising a colleague or friend to read a particular book; or being attentive to a client, fellow passenger or workmate; or giving a helping hand when needed; or praying for sick friend or a neighbor’s child, and asking that they pray for us; or helping someone get to Confession.” [6]
For Greater Glory This film clip from the movie, "For Greater Glory" shows the death of Fr. Christopher and Bl. Jose Luis Sanchez del Rio. The movie is based on the Cristada movement in Mexico in the 1920’s and the story of Jose Luis. In the first part of the clip the priest tells the future Blessed Jose Luis that “who are you if you don’t stand up for what you believe?” He goes on to tell him that there is no greater glory than to give your life to Christ. When we proclaim that we are a Christian we must be ready to face whatever comes our way, whether it is the firing squad of insults and disrespect, or if it is an actual guns with ammunition firing squad.
As always we must not let our actions be without the love of Christ. We must be daringly apostolic! “This can be so if we remain united to God, if we reject a comfort-loving existence, if we overcome luke-warmness and discouragement.” [7]
[1] Ignatius Catholic Study Bible pg. 73
[2] Navarre Bible, Gospel of Mark pg. 96
[3] Fernandez, In conversation with God 3, 89.2
[4] Fernandez, In Conversation with God 3, 89.2
[5] ibid.
[6] Fernandez, In Conversation with God 3, 89.2
[7] ibid.