Word to the Wise
Monday, July 28, 2008 - Monday in the Seventeenth Week of Ordinary Time
[Jeremiah 13:1-11 and Matthew 13:31-35]The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field......The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour......
As a person whose hobbies include gardening and baking, I immediately perk up when I see these two parable images appear in the scripture for the day. I deal with some very tiny seeds on occasion (e.g. basil or petunias) and marvel at the size of the plant that results. Although a "measure" in the biblical standards is considerably larger than I deal with, I do use three cups of flour on most occasions, and the rising of the bread remains one of the marvels of the baking process. These domestic images are characteristic of Jesus' preaching. they are vivid and easy to understand and retain their freshness even 2000 years later as my own experience tells me! They invite thought and action. The action part might give pause. Our response is often, "I'm just one person. What difference can I make?" Well, if the basil or petunia plant or the mighty oak from the acorn is any authority, one person can make a BIG difference. The collective image of yeast is an encouragement to be a part of a greater effort by many "little" people. Another image of Jesus' preaching concerning the mustard seed refers gives rise to the modern expression: "Faith that moves mountains." My pastoral experience tells me that a group of faithful people can get a lot done. Sometimes all it requires is someone to ask for help. So, the seed has to be planted and the yeast has to be put in the dough. Pastors often have to initiate the practice, but I've known dedicated laypersons who showed that initiative. All of us by baptism are called to be "sowers of seed" as well as the seed, and "kneaders of bread" as well as yeast! AMEN
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