“The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants.” (Mt 13:31-32).
God can do so much with so little. This is so because even the smallest detail is important to God. Just think of the immensity, not only of our solar system and galaxy but the whole cosmos. Despite the grandiosity and massive expanse of all creation, not even a sparrow can fall to the ground without the notice of God. Even all the hairs of our head he has counted (cf Mt 10:29-30). Our life, who we are, and who we are becoming matters to God.
Jesus is revealing through these parables of small beginnings, seed sown in a field, a mustard seed, and yeast allude to how God begins small and often hidden to fulfill his plan of salvation. What God has begun, he will bring to fruition. The gathering in of the nations is an Old Testament theme that Ezekiel especially highlights when he shares that God will break off and plant a tender cedar shoot and from this small shoot it will become a, “majestic cedar. Every small bird will nest under it, all kinds of winged birds will dwell in the shade of its branches” (Ezekiel 17:22-23). God has a plan for the unity of all of humanity and creation and Jesus is inviting us to be a part of the collaborative effort.
God builds up his kingdom one person at a time and sows his seeds of divine grace which is a movement of the outpouring of his divine love. He watches over us, his children, and shares his life with us. We can accept or reject this love which falls afresh upon us like the morning dew upon the grass. To accept and abide in the reality that God loves us is a gift. When we say yes to the outpouring of God’s love, we become more aware of the gift already bestowed. As we experience and savor this nourishing gift of God’s love we then have something to share with others.
What we will come to realize is that as we give more of God’s love away, we receive more in return. Our smallest thoughts, words, or deeds make a significant difference to those on the receiving end of God’s love flowing through us. We have an opportunity today to think, speak, and act as bearers of our loving God and Father. We can share a smile, a word of encouragement, a wave, and/or a hug, send a text, and/or just follow through on the the myriad stirrings of the Holy Spirit and offer a simple act of the will to love and truly be present with someone. No matter how small a sharing, it will mean more than we will ever know or can even imagine to the one who receives.
Photo: This colonnade at St. Mary of the Lake is fashioned after the colonnade in St. Peter Square. Both represent the welcoming arms of the Church seeking to embrace the people of the world.
Spiritual Stepping Stones 