Seeds and Growth

Sunday, June 13, 2021

Third Sunday after pentecost

“The kingdom of heaven is like . . .” Jesus used this phrase many times in His teaching and preaching, with the images of seeds and growth as one of His common metaphors. From the seemingly miraculous action of a tiny seed with tremendous growth, to what the Lord speaks in a beautiful promise of a divine planting and producing He Himself will provide for His people, we are today drawn to the Scriptures, the faith He has planted and grown in us through His Spirit, and the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ alone. May God grant seed, nurture, growth, and good fruit to each of us as we worship Him today.

READINGS

Old Testament: Ezekiel 17:22–24
(The Lord will provide new life and growth for His people.)

Psalm
Psalm 1

Epistle
2 Corinthians 5:1–10 (Our eternal dwelling)

Gospel: Mark 4:26–34
(Jesus’ parables of the growing seed and the mustard seed)

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Let us pray.
Blessed Lord, since You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning, grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.