FROM THE PRIEST’S CORNER: FR. JUSTUS ALAETO

TRUSTING IN THE LORD WITH PATIENCE!

Patience is a wonderful virtue Jesus requires all of us to have. There is an
adage that says: “a patient dog eats the fattest bone.” Jesus, during his time on
earth, was full of patience and understanding with everyone around Him. Even
up to now, Jesus is still patient with each one of us. The Lord has not finished
with anyone.
In the Gospel message of this week, Jesus uses the parable of the “mustard
seed” and the “seed that grows by itself” to encourage the early church to trust
in the Lord with patience. The early disciples were worried about the slow
process of the growth of the Kingdom of God. They wanted something fast,
instant, and miraculous, just as human beings would do. They were
discouraged by what they may have seen as an uncertain future.
The parable of the seed growing by itself was meant to encourage them and
strengthen their hope. Jesus wanted them to trust in the Lord. However, they
would need to do their own part in life and trust the rest to the Lord. In Jesus’
story, the farmer had done his own part by planting the seed. The next thing
remaining for the farmer to do was to be patient, trust, and wait. For us, it
would be patience, pray, trust in the Lord, and wait with hope. In our world
today, the process of doing things seems easier than in earlier days. There are
vehicles to convey people, quick meals, quick communications, etc. Everything
becomes so quick and easy that most often we forget the virtue of patience.
Sometimes, we are not patient with ourselves and with others or even with God
most times.
The Lord Himself wants to encourage us this week to be patient in all we do
and trust in Him. He is asking us to do the best we can and leave the rest to
Him. Our spiritual life’s growth is like a mustard seed. Our imitation of Jesus
is like a mustard seed. Any challenges we face in our daily lives and handing
them over to Jesus is like a mustard seed growing. With patience and trust in
God and patience with one another, our lives shall be fruitful, peaceful, and
joyful, because God is in charge. He will guide till the end, and He will never
disappoint, only if we can do our best and trust in the Lord with patience.
Have a Blessed Week!

Father Justus Alaeto