Religious Education

 

WEEKEND GOSPEL

GOSPEL                  Mk 4:26-34 

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 

The mustard seed, the smallest of all the seeds, grows into the biggest shrub of all. 

Jesus said to the crowds, ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man throws seed on the land. Night and day, while he sleeps, when he is awake, the seed is sprouting and growing; how, he does not know. Of its own accord the land produces first the shoot, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the crop is ready, he loses no time; he starts to reap because the harvest has come.’ 

He also said, ‘What can we say the kingdom of God is like? What parable can we find for it? It is like a mustard seed which at the time of its sowing in the soil is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet once it is sown it grows into the biggest shrub of them all and puts out big branches so that the birds of the air can shelter in its shade.’ 

Using many parables like these, he spoke the word to them, so far as they were capable of understanding it. He would not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything to his disciples when they were alone. 

CHILDREN'S DISCUSSION STARTERS 

• How do you help a small plant grow strong and healthy? 
• How can you help your faith in God grow strong and healthy? 
• Why are crops and trees and all kinds of plants important? 
• What do you think God's kingdom is like?