Posted by The WORD in other words (2014) by Fr Dudz Lero SVD – Holy Name University, Bohol
Monday 17th Week in Ordinary Time
According to one illustration, a mustard seed is as small as the point of a newly sharpened pencil. Meaning, it is really very small, but when it grows it becomes really big. Albeit not as big as other gigantic plants, the difference between its being a seed and a plant is truly remarkable.
This is Jesus’ image of the Kingdom: it starts from a trivial size and grows immensely and spreads. The same picture is certainly what we get out of the yeast mixed with flour.
There are two images suggested here. First is the spread of the Kingdom in the world. Second is the spread of the Kingdom in individual lives. It starts with humble beginnings, and through the work of God’s grace and the Spirit, gradually grows into a dominant force that changes communities and peoples. The question therefore is : has the Kingdom grown its roots in and taken over our lives?
There are, however, two important items in the parable also worth noticing: the person who sowed and the woman who baked. In the fundamental level of understanding, these refer to Jesus (the Sower) and to the Church (woman) who spreads the Kingdom through their preaching and teaching. However, these could stand as well for all those God uses as instruments to spread the Kingdom.
We remember therefore with gratitude the people God send to bring to us the Kingdom. And we pray with resolve that, as the Kingdom has grown in us, we too will bring the Kingdom to others.
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