June 13.  Sunday 11B and St Anthony.   The group of young people were discussing the fascinating question of growth.   “Growing is something that all young people are concerned about, isn’t it?” “But how we grow and what the end result will be also matters.” “I can relate to where Jesus talked about the Kingdom of God as something that is planted, grows, reaches maturity and is harvested.  That is Ok, but I don’t relate to a tiny mustard seed that grows into a great big bush. Why, because I battle with my size.  I don’t  want to be enormous.”  “You’re kind of right, I suppose, controlled and measured growth seems like a good idea.” “But what really is God’s will?  Lots of things start and blow up and look very successful and then just peter out.”  “St Anthony was a very wise preacher, not just a patron saint for finding lost things.  I think he would agree with us.”   “Have you heard his story of the walnut tree?  Now there is a real tall tale. ”

The kingdom of God is like a grain of mustard seed which when sown is the smallest of all the seeds yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs. Mark 4:26-34.

Pope Francis:  What is most important is the ability lovingly to help children grow in freedom, maturity, overall discipline and real autonomy. Only in this way will they come to possess what is needed to fend for themselves and act intelligently and prudently whenever they meet with difficulties. Prudence, good judgement and common sense are dependent not purely on quantitative growth factors but rather on a whole series of things that come together deep within each person.  AL261-2`