The Kingdom is like.....

Matthew 13:31-34

“He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’ He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’ Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing.”

The parables Jesus tells are themselves like seeds: simple stories take root in our lives and, if allowed the light of our reflection and the nourishment of our prayer, grow to become meaningful landmarks. The kingdom of God proclaimed by Jesus may appear in subtle, undistinguished ways. Accepting the reality of the reign of God is not an immediate call to action: the first contact explores our wisdom, patience and trust.

‘Small is beautiful’ and can also be very effective, as these two parables show. Even a tiny mustard seed, ‘the smallest of all the seeds’, can grow into a small tree, providing shelter for birds. And a little yeast enables bread to rise and become more edible.

Similarly, God operates powerfully in simple ways and in ordinary situations. God’s caring presence and traces of God’s kingdom are already evident in the world, if we can see. Lord Jesus, help me to realise that all my positive words and actions, no matter how small, are inspired by the Good Spirit and contribute to building up the kingdom of God here on earth.

Dear Lord God  

we thank you for mustard seed

and for the wonders of yeast

and for how these things teach us about your love. 

Lord, plant your seed into our lives,

help us work your yeast into our hearts  

that wonderful things may happen.

We ask it in Jesus'  name. Amen.