Word to the Wise
Tuesday, October 25, 2022 - 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 bush 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 in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened." [Luke]
Little things can mean big things! That is the basis of Jesus' use of the "mustard seed" in a couple of his parables. The exact plant to which he was referring cannot be determined but the idea of something small becoming very large comes through. [I checked a reference on biblical plants! Cf also Luke 17:6] I experience the image in seeing how big a tomato plant is in reference to its seed. Or more commonly, one can look at the acorn on the ground beneath the oak tree! The same is true for the image of yeast and flour. The biblical word translated as "measure" would mean a very large amount of flour. That image comes through to me every time I bake bread. How can that little packet of yeast have such power?
The importance of the image is found in the little things that we can do for others that have a big impact. St. Therese of Lisieux has been a kind of patroness for "the little way." Jesus speaks elsewhere of giving a cup of water to someone in his name. [Mark 9:41]. Small acts of kindness and consideration can be big witnesses to the presence of the Kingdom of God. It is not simply a matter of courtesy, important as that can be in society. It is also a matter of faith and love of God and neighbor. We can preach the Kingdom by kindness. AMEN