Don Bosco's Example
“He said, ‘To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.’” (Mark 4:30-32)
“He said, ‘To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.’” (Mark 4:30-32)
Today we celebrate a saint who transformed how the Church connected with the hearts of young people. Don Bosco planted a tiny mustard seed that spread worldwide, inspiring countless young people to fall in love with Jesus. He is a living example of how to sow with faith and allow God to make the seed sprout and bear fruit.
Often, in our ministries, we unknowingly make the mistake of trying to force others to convert, forgetting that only God has the power to touch hearts and draw them to Him. Our mission is to be bearers of the good news. Through our life testimony and our apostolic and professional projects, we plant the seed of the kingdom in others, but it is God who makes it grow.
Perhaps Don Bosco, at first, only dreamed of creating oratories to help the young people in his community. He likely never imagined that, over time, these oratories would be found all over the world. However, his unwavering faith and dedication made the seemingly impossible possible.
Today’s Gospel, together with the life and work of Don Bosco, inspires us to keep sowing seeds with love and trust, knowing that God will make them grow and turn into a tree from which many hearts will draw strength and nourishment.
Am I truly willing to let go of control over my projects and my life, fully trusting in God’s power and timing, even if I may never see the fruits of my efforts?
Almighty God, today I offer you my life and all my projects, so that You may make them prosper and lead others to Your Kingdom. Amen.
Gustavo Facio Orozco is a member of the Pastoral Juvenil Hispana. He is a parishioner at Corpus Christi in Temple Terrace where he is a lector for the Spanish Mass. As a substance abuse counselor, Gustavo is blessed with the opportunity of accompanying people with substance abuse disorders on their journey to recovery. Gustavo is currently pursuing a Masters in Clinical Mental Health at Troy University. He loves reading, traveling, and grilling.
