MEMORIAL OF ST JOHN BOSCO, FRIDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, JANUARY 31, 2025

MASS READINGS:

Gospel

Mark 4:26-34

Jesus said to the crowds: “This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.” He said,“To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

REFLECTION

“This is how it is with the Kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how.

Good parenting skills inform, train, and impact the family. Not only are you what you eat, but you are who you are because of upbringing, the care, consistency, choice and consequences taught us by our parents and teachers .

Today’s readings show us what a good Father God is. We are reminded that to live by faith is to possess life, to endure is to do the will of God and receive His promises. Confidence and trust in God will have its rewards.

Before you know it, life becomes a swift reminder that if we have not done so, it’s best to listen and do what Jesus has taught us. We know not how the seed will sprout and grow. We do know that salvation of the just comes from God. So, trust and do good, delight in the Lord, and commit to Him for His sustenance.

St John Bosco was a father figure to the poor orphaned boys in his care. He taught them the Word of God through the Holy Scriptures, sermons, teachings and discipline. Founding the Salesians, (named after St Francis de Sales), the children he cared for learned virtue, charity and kindness. The Salesians continue His work around the world.

God Bless You