A reading from the gospel according to Luke 13:18-21
18 Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it?
19 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.’”
20 Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?
21 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.”
Reflection: Humble Beginning
Jesus is the son of God, the Father almighty. He performed many miraculous deeds and so we ask, “With all His heavenly powers, why didn’t He accomplish His mission in one fell swoop?” He could have called fire from heaven and His enemies would have been annihilated. Yet that is not how God works. He loves us and He wanted us to freely love Him. He does not force us to love Him back. Like the father in the parable of the prodigal son, God patiently waits until His rebellious children repent and return to Him.
That is why Jesus compares the kingdom of God with a mustard seed and yeast. He planted the seed of the Kingdom among a few disciples in Israel some two thousand years ago. Today, that seed has grown and His disciples are now found in every corner of the world. From a humble beginning, the church is now a major force and it will continue to grow in the future until everything is made subject to Him and God is all in all (1 Corinthians 15:28).
There are practical lessons to be learned here:
1. In business or in any civic activities, it is best to start small and with much effort and prayers, it will grow big.
2. Make room for improvement every day. Small changes can have powerful impact on the organization.
3. Be patient. Do not be anxious about the prevalence of evil in the world. There is a right time for everything. In His time, all things will be made beautiful.
4. Learn everything you need in order to grow in faith, hope and love.
5. Faith, hope and love are contagious. Show them in your everyday living and they will spread like fire.
