+ Instant gratification is something that makes a lot of money, especially for a consumerist society.
The advertisers know it. Stores and shopping malls know it. The creators of the many TV and radio and internet commercials know it.
But when you listen to the word of God in the scriptures, something very different is shared with us.
There is waiting and pondering and accepting and receiving and planting and building — things that take time and demand patience and endurance and commitment and desiring.
The letter to the Hebrews today stresses the need to remain confident and to endure and accept whatever comes to the person of faith, because there is no doubt in this letter that God would be faithful and loving always, and eternal life would be not only promised but received by those who believe and live God’s word.
Live by faith is the mantra.
The Gospel is saying much the same but puts a special emphasis on the growth that takes place within the person of faith.
The parables of seeds planted that slowly grow: first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.
Or the mustard seed, so tiny, yet growing into something so enormous that the birdies come to dwell in its shade.
These parables made good sense.
These parables provide understanding and help us to be able to welcome the life of God’s kingdom into our spirit and our souls.
Psalm 37 reiterates that message clearly: “Take delight in the Lord, and he will grant your heart’s requests. For the salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
Father Perry D. Leiker is the 13th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter: @MrDeano76.
