Let us grow!

Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church

First Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 33
Gospel: Luke 4:38-44


I have never been much of a gardener, however I do have family members that could tell you all about it. I do however have a basic understanding of the process. I understand that it all starts with the seeds. The seeds are planted, watered, and then hopefully they grow. I also understand that there are many things in the world that may try to prevent the seeds from growing and bearing fruit.

In the first reading today, Paul talks about this basic process. Paul recognizes that the people of Corinth are like seeds. And although Paul and another minister (Apollos) have had a part in their lives, they are not responsible for the growth. Paul knows that while he may have planted the seeds and Apollo watered the the seeds; it was God who is responsible for the growth. Paul goes on to say that; "neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth." (1 Cor 3:7) Paul takes the humble approach here and recognizes that everything that we have become in our lives comes from God.

Paul also addresses the fact that we need God to grow in our faith. We will not find the key to growing in another person or an object. No, it all comes from God. Even if other people along the way help to "plant" and "water" us, it is still up to God to let us grow. And if we are to grow, then we must open ourselves to Him. We must allow Him to work in us, help us cast off our old selves and let Him turn us into who He created us to be. Watermelon seeds were meant to be watermelons, and tomato seeds were meant to be tomatoes. God has a plan for us, we were created for a purpose. We need to let our Creator work in us so that we may become the people that He has planned us to be. If we don't, then we will just stay as seeds.

Father almighty, you created each of us for a purpose. We thank you for the people you have put in our lives that have helped lead us to you, but Lord we recognize that you are the only thing that can help us grow to become the people that you created us to be. Lord we lay down at your feet all the things of this world that are preventing us from coming to you. We pray for all those who are struggling in their faith and in their lives. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.