When seed that is scattered, updated

When seed that is scattered is growing and blooming

While we are at rest or at work in the day – 

First stalk and then flower, full grain in due hour – 

We see how the kingdom moves out in this way.

 

When seed of such small size spreads out and finds nurture, 

Now growing and casting its shade far and wide,

We learn how the kingdom comes, fruitful and winsome,

With shelter for all of creation inside.

 

Now this is the kingdom of God in our living;

It flourishes even as we do not know.

Praise God, our Creator, whose giving is greater,

Whose kingdom gives courage to flourish and grow.

 

 

TEXT: Charies Spence Freeman, June 2021, after Mark 4:26-34.

MUSIC: Tune KREMSER, Neder-landisch Gedenck-Clanck; 1626; harm. Eduard Kremser, 1877.

 

 

The lectionary reading for Ordinary 11B offers up seed metaphors for our reflection. Somehow this time around the image of birds being able to take shelter in the shade of the mustard-seed shrub jumped out. (The words of each stanza may fit to the final phrase slightly differently than the usual texts paired with this tune.)