See Your Present Sufferings as Seeds.

Homily for Friday 1^st February 2019

_“Recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and affliction… but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” *(Hebrews 10:32-33,38)*_ 

Every time we suffer, every time we go through pain and sorrow, every time we find ourselves having to put up with things we do not wish for ourselves, we are just being planted like seeds in the ground.

Just as seeds must die before producing a new plant, our sufferings and crosses help us die to ourselves so that we can remain virtuous, blossom in good deeds and bear fruits for God.

Growing up, one of my mum’s favourite sayings was: “Work does not kill, it only makes you stronger.” Suffering no matter how great does not last forever just as seeds sown in the ground do not remain there forever, they eventually germinate and become plants.

Jesus compared the kingdom of God to a man scattering seeds on the ground and then goes to sleep. How the seeds spouts, the farmer does not know. When things are tough, we are not able to see the brighter side. Little by little, that which you thought was your worst nightmare eventually becomes your most treasured moment.

I recently saw Mr. Ibu’s testimony on social media. It wasn’t until his friend kicked him out of the house leaving him with nowhere else to go that he realized he had such a fine talent for entertainment.

Jesus also compared the kingdom of God with a mustard seed that is so tiny yet grows into a shrub large enough to provide shade for birds. Never despise your little beginnings. The toughest aspect of a journey is the first few steps. Know that your promotion comes only after you decide not to give up.

Finally, it is not advisable to pick up seeds from the ground after they have been planted. The seeds would be useless and they would never grow into plants again. Do not pray that your sufferings will end, rather pray that you will get to reap its full fruits.

Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, may my suffering not lead to faithlessness but let it deepen my patience, endurance and confidence. Amen.

Happy New Month. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of the 3^rd Week in Ordinary Time. Hebrews 10:32-39, Psalm 37, Mark 4:26-34).