It seems that God has always wrestled with human expectation. We put expectations on God, especially on when and how he works. We desire that God manifests himself in extravagant signs so that our faith is secure, secure not only from our own doubts, but from the questioning of others. We desire to be vindicated in the eyes of men by great signs, if only God would prove himself once and for all. We grow tired of waiting for answers and for growth. God why are you so quiet? God why are you so slow to work? These are human questions that come from our expectation that God should work immediately and loudly so that all might know of his existence and have no way to reject him or hurt us. According to today’s Gospel, Jesus knew of the expectations that we and the people of his time were placing on God. Before the bulk of Jesus’ work and proclamation, we are offered two parables which challenge us to let go of our human expectations. God has a better way. It’s a way which is not immediate, but will take time. It’s a way which is not extravagant, but which uses the lowly. If we let go of our expectations and stay with him, he will explain the way in which he works just as he explains the parables to his disciples who remain with him.
Sunday – Ordinary Time – Week 11 – Year B
