Power and greatness in being small

The WORD in other words (2019) by Sister Tessa Artita SSpS – Tarlac City

Tuesday 30th Week in Ordinary Time

As a child, I have not experienced planting mustard seed. My experience was that of planting pechay seeds — tiny seeds which would bring me joy-filled wonder seeing   them grow and ready for harvest a few weeks after I planted them. Tiny seeds which  when given their right to life in the soil, they in turn give full sustenance to people who appreciate their veggie nutrients.   

I also had an experience as a child of watching my mother mix a small measure of yeast in a few cups of flour to make her original “schakoy” (a crispy, elongated doughnut-like cookie). A small amount of yeast expands the dough, which when baked can feed a number of people eagerly waiting to be satisfied.   

Jesus‘ parables lead us to think of the greatness and power in being small and lowly.   “Small beginnings, great endings,” as one writer (whose name escapes me) says. There is power and greatness in being humble. There is strength too in expanding one‘s acceptance of others to create communion.

There is communion when, like the yeast, one inserts oneself into the realities of our brothers and sisters through compassion and love. The power of God‘s love will break into people‘s lives and God‘s kingdom will be filled with people saturated by Jesus‘ words and the love of God.