By Deacon Anthony P. Cassaneto, Ph.D.
Currently serving as a deacon at St. Lawrence Parish in Shelton and former director of the diaconate office of the Diocese of Bridgeport
St. Paul in his 2nd Letter to the Corinthians 5:6-10 reminded the Christian community of his day as well as ourselves today that we are exiles in this world, yearning for our true home with God.
Today the demands of the world consume our time and energy. I often wonder how many of us take time to reflect on one simple fact: we will die. While we are away from the Lord, you and I are called to be holy, merciful, just and kind in a manner pleasing to the Lord. Anchored by our faith and trust in the Lord’s Divine Providence, we aspire to do the will of God in our lives.
The parable of the mustard seed gives us food for thought. It is a seed, seemingly insignificant, that sprouts and grows in ways beyond our understanding, symbolizing the Kingdom of God. Think of an oak tree, towering into the heavens. It puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade. It came into being from an acorn no larger than the tip of your thumb. Nothing is impossible with God.
Sr. Madeline, a colleague from Preston High School, gave me a gift for my diaconate ordination that I have treasured for the past 38 years. It expressed a powerfully faith-filled message: “Who plants a seed beneath the sod and waits to see believes in God.” Her sister composed, and beautifully framed this inspiring reminder. Like the mustard seed, may we grow and flourish in our faith, nurtured by the knowledge of God’s active presence and faithfulness.
The Spirit of God is the seed of the Christian life. It had been implanted in you and me at our Baptism, growing within us quietly, patiently, and powerfully over many years. As it matures within us, we have the option to resist the gifts given to us by the Spirit: wisdom, knowledge, understanding, piety, and fear of the Lord, or we can embrace these gifts and so grow closer to the Lord as we await the coming of His Kingdom.
Be aware the Kingdom of God surrounds us each and every day when we put the Word of God into practice in our lives. As we journey through life, our work is to proclaim the Kingdom of God by demonstrating through our words and actions that we are true disciples of Jesus the Christ, By refocusing our life’s journey from the worldly to the sacred, we allow the Spirit of the Lord to guide, to shield, and to lead us on the path of righteousness and justice.
Be aware that on journey we will get distracted and at times take the road untraveled. Do not be discouraged. We must be patient with ourselves and our progress in the spiritual life. Know that the Lord is working is us through the Holy Spirit. We will not become saints over night, but by opening our hearts and minds to the will of God, our foresight is clear and our goal is before us: the Kingdom of God. St. Augustine “Thou hast created us for thyself, and our heart is not quiet until it rests in Thee.”.
Remember always to give thanks to the Lord, to proclaim His kindness and faithfulness. God’s word will produce a bountiful harvest within us if we let it. What we need to do is provide a rich soil for the seeds of Faith, Hope, Love, perseverance and justice to take root. When we open our hearts to the will of God, the Holy Spirit will overpower us with His tender loving care. The seeds that may lie dormant will grow miraculously, quietly, and powerfully to transform us into servants of the Lord who will be known by our words and works.
