Psalms 55 * 138, 139:1-17(18-23); Nehemiah 4:1-23; Revelation 7:(4-8)9-17; Matthew 13:31-35We are given the mustard seed parable and the leavening yeast parable in today's Gospel. They are quite familiar to many and because of that, their radical message can be lost quite easily. Simply stated, the mustard seed, what is known as an incredibly tiny seed, grows into something quite impressive making a home for all different kinds of birds, and providing shade and rest for travelers. The smallest amount of yeast imbues an entire amount of flour changing its quality and makeup forever, allowing it to grow into something completely different.
These parables Jesus teaches us today are part of this ongoing dialogue Jesus is having about the kingdom he is announcing, a kingdom he is inviting and wants us to be a part of. That mustard tree is there for us to feed from, to take shelter under. The tiniest thing we do in the furtherance of the kingdom can blossom into something unplanned for and unknown. That small amount of yeast exists in all of us. It just need a bit of kneading, or mixing, to become an active part of us, be activated, imbue all of us to change into something completely different.
In five short verses today, Jesus provides us with an amazing amount of hope and solace with this knowledge that the love that God has for us is there for us, is in us: for all of us.
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Copyright 2009, The Rev. John F. Dwyer. All Rights Reserved.
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