Jesus said,³¹ “The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, ³² yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” Mark 4

Jesus has begun his ministry; fresh with the capacity to notice abundance wherever he looks. But how to describe the richness of the Kingdom of God so people can grasp it? Seeds. Maybe that is it – everyone has seen seeds.

As Jesus continues his mission, he is reminding his disciples and those who have been following him of this truth through these parables. There was a reason the disciples were attracted to Jesus: clearly, they knew that something wonderful – a kind of new life – was coming with Jesus’ work and word. Metaphorically forgetting to water, neglecting to prune, letting weeds run wild. Despite this, people kept coming – folks were being healed, fed, loved, and called.

What stood out for you in the reading today? Mark refers to “the Kingdom of God” in his Gospel. Why do we think Mark chose the words?

Jesus wants to help people understand what the world with God in it is really like. He uses words the people listening to him would understand: the Kingdom of God. What comes to our minds when we hear the word “Kingdom”? If Jesus was telling us this story, what words might he use that are more familiar to us than “Kingdom”?

Prayer: God of grace, thank you for creating us in your image and helping others see in us the gifts we have to serve you each day. Amen.

Vicar’s Corner: We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to all the Fathers for the incredible contributions you make to the life of our beloved church. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment are the foundation of our ministry, together with all the members of our parish. We acknowledge the labour and effort you put into your roles. Your passion and determination inspire those around you and create a positive and vibrant work and relationship environment. Your willingness to go the extra mile, overcome challenges, and adapt to changing circumstances is commendable. Happy Father’s Day!

June 21 has been marked by the Anglican Church of Canada as National Aboriginal Day of Prayer since 1971. Communities, both Indigenous and nonindigenous, should work together that will help them to lift up the gifts of God that come to expression in the self-determination of indigenous communities’ cultural and spiritual gifts. The principles of Covenant and New Agape are gifts that can shape responses to our present times, and, indeed, can help non-indigenous parishes to be more responsive in expressing the gifts of renewal in relationship. 

Prayer: God of a thousand names and faces we experience you to be beyond our knowing and telling and at the same time deeply present, incarnate and alive within us and in our relationships. Holiness beyond us, within us and among us… Blessed be! Amen. (National Indigenous Day of Prayer)