Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B) – June 13, 2021
Ezekiel 17: 22-24 / Psalm 92 / 2 Corinthians 5: 6-10 / Mark 4: 26-34

“The longing for nature is built into our genes …That is the driving force behind my work.” Those are the words of famed architect Cornelia Hahn Oberlander. She passed recently and while reading through the pages of the New York Times, I came across her obituary. Her observation resonates clearly with my experience and manner of perceiving the world and universe around us.

 Nature guided that renowned architect and provided a wealth of ideas and, through her designs, actual human dwellings and public spaces for work and play. Should we be surprised? Not at all. The environment we live in provides the ground we walk on, the air we breathe and the water we drink and much more. The natural world gives us a lot to think and talk about and provides ways for us to express ourselves. No pun intended, but nature is and should be natural to us.
 
Sacred Scripture certainly understands that wisdom and relies upon it frequently. Today’s first reading from the prophet Ezekiel is no exception: “Thus says the Lord GOD: I, too, will take from the crest of the cedar, from its topmost branches tear off a tender shoot, and plant it on a high and lofty mountain; on the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it. It shall put forth branches and bear fruit, and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind shall dwell beneath it…”
 
Nature was obviously a part of how Jesus lived and taught. All his parables and images would be empty if he didn’t have the environment to refer to.  Let us recall his words: “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 through it all the seed would sprout and grow” (Mark 4: 26-27b) … “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” (3-32).
 
Like anyone else of his time, Jesus relied on his surroundings to teach and communicate. Still, there is more going on. St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians helps explain the thoughts, images and words of Jesus when he writes the following about Jesus Christ: “All things were created through him and for him…” (Col 1: 16b). The Lord Jesus is part of the creating and he appreciates his handiwork.
 
When we consider how we can and should relate to God, nature provides a start. From the smallest seeds and creatures to sweeping and majestic vistas of mountain ranges, all of creation, every aspect of it, provides a doorway into the Creator. The deepest of prayer can begin by noticing the most everyday aspects of the environment we not only inhabit, but are a part of.
 
Seeds that are scattered and then sprout and grow. Small seeds that grow into large shrubs and trees. Birds that seek nesting places in them. The growth that occurs is a source of goodness as the green of leaves and branches beautifies the surroundings and provides comforting and protective shade.
 
Jesus speaks of potential and purpose. As we consider the “longing for nature that is in our genes,” let us appreciate our being a part of the world and environment that surround us. Let us always remember that we not only have a place in the cosmos, we have a place in the Savior’s heart.
 
The small seed that grows and becomes something greater is not only about achieving potential, it has everything to do with hope, it has much to show us about God our Creator. The seed is driven to germinate and grow. The driving force of God our Creator is love. As are result, we are here, we live. Let us always remember the love. May God’s mercy keep growing within us and may we branch out with the gifts he gives us and may others find goodness as we grow more willing to love.
 

The Peace of Christ be with You!
Fr. Charles Johnson, O.P.