“It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants.” Mark 4:31-32
Think of today’s parable as a pause button. The story of the mustard seed gives us the needed room to exhale and remember that despite the headlines, the personal setbacks, and the wonderings why, God is still at work transforming us and our world. We are never alone.
How do we know? Mark’s Gospel explains it with the story of the mustard seed. From this tiny expression of new life, a plant grows into a sturdy tree and eventually its branches and leaves become shelter for the birds of the air—and for us as well.
Jesus likens the mustard seed to the Kingdom of God… plant seeds with acts of compassion and kindness and the Kingdom grows. The life of our Church becomes stronger with each planting, and this is confirmation to the world that we rejoice in our faith.
So instead of getting frustrated by how seemingly great the task of everyday living is, let’s take a moment to remember that each thing we do with the conviction of faith—no matter how big or small—is another mustard seed. Some of us are called to lives of great sacrifice for family and friends. Some of us are called to public service or religious life. But all of us are called to ordinary acts of kindness and compassion. These are the plantings we can sow each and every day.
Friendl, we never know how someone will receive a smile, a morning phone call to check-in, or a quick note to say “I’m thinking of you.” These are the mustard seeds that cost nothing but have the potential to change the world. Knowing that, let’s disengage our pause button and reengage with the world. And know in your heart that God’s Kingdom on earth is yours to nurture and grow.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Raymond J. Finch, M.M.
Prayer for 2nd Sunday
Praise to You, Lord God, for tiny miracles
and small graces with which You bless
the world and all who dwell in it:
gentle rain, a songbird’s melody,
a child’s laughter and the quiet
wisdom of age.
Help me sow small acts of kindness
throughout the day on all I meet.
A smile, a prayer, a friendly greeting,
given in Your name, plant seeds of love,
mercy and justice that grow and blossom
into a heavenly harvest of Your kingdom.
Amid life’s storms may Your word be our guide
and Your gospel our light even when darkness comes.
May the simplest prayer pierce the clouds of doubt
and cause Your blessings to fall abundantly on us
who struggle to help establish Your reign here on earth.
Amen.
Prayer by Maryknoll Missioner, Father Joseph Veneroso
