How does a child learn to trust? Trust is an essential quality in human relationships. A person learns over time and through human encounters of love within the environment of family and friends how, who and when to trust. Generally, a person trusts another until there is reason not to do so. It is desirable that each person grows in trust and love and is oneself a trustworthy person.
Psalm 36 proclaimed at Mass today during Catholic Schools Week 2021, invites and encourages God’s people to trust in God. The psalmist explains what is possible when one places their trust in God saying, ‘…you will live in the land and be secure…he will grant you your heart’s desire…trust in God and he will act…’
The gift of faith, received at Baptism and nourished in the sacraments helps us to place our trust in God. This is why the psalmist encourages listeners to ‘commit our life to the Lord,’ and ‘to trust him.’
In the Gospel proclaimed today (Mark 4:26-34) Jesus encourages a trustful waiting similar to the farmer who sows the seeds. The farmer waits night and day for the seeds to sprout and grow. He trusts they will grow but he waits patiently. Jesus also speaks of the parable of the mustard seed ‘which at the time of its sowing in the soil is the smallest of all 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.’
Throughout life, our desire to trust in God grows and deepens. It helps to read the Word of God regularly, reflect and pray.
St Faustina (1905-38) is a saint for our times. During her life, Jesus taught her a number of prayers. One of them is ‘Jesus I trust in you.’
Today in this celebration of Catholic Schools Week 2021, we pray that the communities of family, parish and school will trust God and one another.
The Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé resources are accessible online including the Children’s Grow in Love/I nGrá Dé e-leabhar. There you will find helpful resources.
Website: www.growinlove.ie
Email: trial@growinlove
Password: growinlove
INVITATION
- Read the parable of the Mustard Seed (Mark 4:30-32) from the Bible or from Grow in Love/ I nGrá Dé Children’s Book or e-book
- Read Psalm 36 from the Bible and sing ‘Trust in the Lord’ (video lyric, Grow in Love, Fourth Class/ P6/ I nGrá Dé Rang IV
- Find out more about St Faustina
- Thank someone in your family today for their trust
- Pray ‘Jesus, I trust in you.’
Sr Anne Neylon