Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time [B]


ELEVENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME


We hear mention of a “crest” in Ezekiel chapter seventeen. What will become of this crest? According to verse 23, it will go on to become a great cedar. Meanwhile, Jesus makes reference to the mustard seed in Mark chapter four. What will become of this mustard seed? According to verse 32, it will go on to become a haven for the birds of the sky. In each case, we’re glorying in something insignificant…glorying furthermore in what it WILL BECOME. 


Does this happen in the blink of an eye? Definitely not. How does a great cedar become a great cedar? A great cedar becomes a great cedar through a process of slow and steady growth. We can say something similar about the maturation of the mustard seed. Expect a pattern of growth that will correspond with the world of agriculture. In other words, don’t expect instant results. The magic wand approach has no application within the pages of Sacred Scripture. 


This suits you fine—if you are in the habit of walking by faith (2nd Cor. 5:7). Walking by faith means understanding up front that the picture is not going to take shape all at once. Instead, it takes shape incrementally, piece by piece. For that matter, you’re prepared for the possibility that the pieces will never come together in a complete way. Perhaps you won’t get to see the entire picture. And yet, even if you don’t see everything, you’ll see enough. It all has to do with the fact that you are walking by faith. 


If you tour the Museum of Fine Art in Boston, you will notice an exhibit referred to as The Athenaeum Portrait. Even though it’s classified as an unfinished portrait, you’ll be able to identify the subject as our first president, George Washington. You’re not seeing all that you would normally see in a portrait. Nevertheless, you’re seeing enough. You have no difficulty recognizing the visage of President Washington. It’s an incomplete work; still, it reveals enough to merit a placement at the Museum of Fine Art. 


As for the artist, Gilbert Stuart, he was facing the prospect of turning the piece over to Martha Washington, once it was finally completed. She evidently expressed this desire in the strongest terms. Stuart regretted being talked into this agreement, and therefore he never committed himself to filling in the final details. By keeping the 1796 print in his possession, he would have a reference for the production of future portraits. 


So if you’re wondering why the artist never provided a complete picture, we’ll accept the fact that he had his reasons. Likewise, we can assume that the Lord has his reasons, when the picture we behold seems less than complete. Appreciate that, even if it hasn’t all been put together for you, you’ll find that enough has been put into place. A sufficient amount has been put into place so that you can walk in a forward direction. Or, to use Paul’s expression, you’ll be able to continue on your way, walking by faith. 

 

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