little beginnings

Jul 30, 2018

The little mustard seed in today’s gospel has a big reputation.

Jesus reminds us that just as the large mustard tree has tiny beginnings, so too the mighty, life-giving and eternal Kingdom of God is easily overlooked as it discreetly comes to birth in the routines and demands of our daily lives here on earth.

There is a neat link with yesterday’s Sunday gospel when Jesus takes the small offering of a little boy (five loaves and a couple of fish), and uses these as the starting point for the miracle of the feeding of the thousands.

Pope Francis offers this encouragement:

When we live with a desire for Christ, “…the strength of Christ bursts through us and transforms what is small and modest into a reality that leavens the entire mass of the world and of history.”

“An important teaching comes from these two parables: the Kingdom of God requires our collaboration, but it is above all an initiative and gift of the Lord. Our weak work, seemingly small in front of the complexity of the problems of the world, if included in that of God does not fear the difficulties. The victory of the Lord is secure: His love will sprout and will grow every seed of goodness present in the earth.”

1 Comment

  1. Thank you Father John for the continued words of encouragement for a faith journey.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Posts

Tikkun Olam

Tikkun Olam

If you are ready for a broader faith perspective you might appreciate this offering – something a little different

seeking & calling

seeking & calling

In every encounter, local and afar, with people of every age and at every stage of life, the struggles and joys of people are remarkably similar.

Assumption

Assumption

Humans too often make the fatal mistake of separating body and soul, yet our deep desire is for unity of body and soul.

ahead of grace ?

ahead of grace ?

Both readings are personal favourites and every time I hear them and ponder them these texts speak to me in new and powerful ways.

Mary MacKillop

Mary MacKillop

Too often we settle for an existence of lurching from one satisfaction to the next.