Word to the Wise
Tuesday, October 30, 2018 - Tuesday in the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
[Eph 5:21-33 and Luke 13:18-21]"What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large gush and the "birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.'" Again he said, "To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.." [Luke]
One of the most frustrating obstacles to the spread of the gospel is the reluctance of ordinary Christians to get involved even on the smallest levels. Some of that reluctance is founded on being intimidated by the huge needs that confront one on a daily basis. Where would one start "to get involved?" What possible difference could one person make? Jesus' answer to that is, "One person can make a big difference." The evangelist Luke wrote to a church under persecution. It seemed like enormous powers were out to destroy Christianity. The community was feeling very puny and discouraged. Luke is trying to be consoling and encouraging.
The image of the yeast is remarkable in that the amount of wheat that Jesus describes is equivalent to about 190 cups of flour! When I think of three "measures" I think of the 3 cups I use to bake a loaf of bread and 2 1/4 teaspoons of yeast! The woman in the parable might have needed more yeast than that but it doesn't take a large amount. The image encourages patience and confidence that a small amount will have a great effect.
This past Sunday, two students mentioned to me that they invited a friend to come with them to Mass and were amazed at the positive reaction to the experience. All I could do is encourage them to keep on doing that! They are the yeast and mustard seed. What "little thing" can any of us do? There's a lot! AMEN