July 29. Martha.  Granny Janet shared her story with the grandchildren as they sat in the shade under the tree in her yard.  “When I was still quite a young woman I did struggle a bit with my faith.  The man I loved was not interested in God and I didn’t know what to do.  I spoke to our priest and he gave me a word of encouragement and said that even faith as small as a mustard seed can survive.  He gave me a few mustard seeds.  I planted some and here, right where you are sitting, under this big tree, is the fruit of my faith. I hope it can be an example to you too.  Maybe you can go and plant a seed somewhere and let it grow into a big tree too.“   

Reflect, share, scripture Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field.   From Mat 13:31-35. Pope Francis:  The human being knows, loves and accomplishes moral good by different stages of growth.  Al 295. The biblical texts read in their context tell us to till and keep the garden of the world.  Tilling refers to cultivating, ploughing or working, while keeping means caring, protecting, overseeing and preserving.  This implies a relationship of mutual responsibility between human beings and nature.   LS 67.  ACTION AND PRAYER.   Do we enjoy this responsibility to care for the earth’s garden?