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.<\/p>\n
Psalm 36 proclaimed at Mass today during Catholic Schools Week 2021, invites and encourages God\u2019s people to trust in God. The psalmist explains what is possible when one places their trust in God saying, \u2018\u2026you will live in the land and be secure\u2026he will grant you your heart\u2019s desire\u2026trust in God and he will act\u2026\u2019<\/p>\n
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 \u2018commit our life to the Lord,\u2019 and \u2018to trust him.\u2019<\/p>\n
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\u00a0 \u2018which 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.\u2019<\/p>\n
Throughout life, our desire to trust in God grows and deepens. It helps to read the Word of God regularly, reflect and pray.<\/p>\n
St Faustina (1905-38) is a saint for our times. During her life, Jesus taught her a number of prayers. One of them is \u2018Jesus I trust in you.\u2019<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n