Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Friday of the third week in ordinary time, January 30th, 2026

Delivered by Kimmy from the Parish of Good Shepherd in the Diocese of Surabaya, Indonesia. 2 Samuel 11: 1-4a.5-10a.13-17; Rs psalm 51: 3-4.5-6a.6bc-7.10-11; Mark 4: 26-34.BEST SEED FORGOD The title for our meditation today is: Best Seed forGod. In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus gives a parable about God's Kingdom like amustard seed. This is the smallest seed, but then it becomes large and usefulto the surroundings. This confirms that God does not always begin the work fromthings that are great, extraodinary, or considered great by man. It isprecisely from small faithfulness—simple prayer, perhaps invisible service, adecision to remain honest, or a forgiving heart—God nurtures that will one daybecome a refuge for many. A small seed in God's hands is never in vain. Jesus also gives the parable of the seed that thefarmer sows: the seed sprouts, grows, and then bears fruit, but the farmer"does not know how it happens." Here we are invited to realize themystery of grace: man can sow, he can carry, he can persevere, but it is Godwho gives true growth. There are parts of spiritual life that cannot be forcedby human effort. Therefore faith requires not only hard work, but alsosurrender—believing that God is working quietly, even when we feel that nothinghas changed. But the journey of faith is not always smooth. Thereare temptations, weariness, and inner wounds that cause man to fall into sin.It is like a seed that has started to grow but is attacked by an outbreak,pest, or disease that threatens it to be damaged. Sin is not just a "smallmistake", but a destructive force that can rob peace, crack relationships,weaken callings, and even kill the spirit to grow. If not taken care of, bestseeds can stop developing before they have time to produce their fruits. The Scriptures show that temptation knows no status:even God's chosen King David once fell into the sin of adultery. David's fallreminds us that the human heart can be weak when it is caught off guard,feeling secure, or allowing itself to be dominated by desire. But David's storyalso states something very important: God does not stop inviting repentance.When humans fall down, the way home remains open. God's grace is able to heal,but man's responsibility is to be vigilant, honest with himself, and returnimmediately before the wounds of sin deepen. Guarding the seed of calling or vocation, then, is aserious spiritual duty. We are called to take care of ourselves, take care ofour eyes and hearts, maintain relationships, maintain discipline in prayer, andmaintain sensitivity of conscience. Because the vocation of life is somethingnoble and must be maintained. We need God's protective grace every day so thatwe are not easily carried away by the currents of the world, not to beoverpowered by the whispers of deadly enemies, and not to underestimate thesmall doors that can lead us down.Let us pray. O God of all wisdom, make us seeds that arealways ready to be grown and fruited for the good of our lives and thefulfillment of the promise to attain perfection in You. Glory to the Father andto the Son and to the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father ...