The WORD in other words (2009) by Frater Ferdinand Bajao SVD – Divine Word Seminary, Tagaytay City
Monday 17th Week in Ordinary Time
I learned from my mother a story about my aunt who once played with yeast. Oblivious of the consequences, she emptied a pack into a bowl and poured in water to start a “bake-a-cake” game. Excited to get more play tools and playmates, she left the bowl for a while.
Now, she was in for a great fright as she pranced her way back into the kitchen and bowl. True enough, the yeast had risen and fizzed past the brim, and to her horror, the innocent concoction she left had turned into a bubbling demon! She ran out of the kitchen screaming, “Bendita! Bendita!” (Holy water! Holy water!).
The Gospel for today presents two figures—the mustard seed, regarded as the smallest of seeds and shall turn into a great tree; and the yeast, considered even to be a symbol of corruption. Insignificant and unworthy they may be, the Lord chose them to represent God’s surprising and even mind-boggling works.
The kingdom of God can even start from lowly origins and even disappointing beginnings. It does not start with a bang, an awesome sign, or noisy fanfare for it usually grows unnoticed. The Lord can use even the most unworthy or the least expected people.
For example, just think of the fishermen, the skeptic, the tax collector, and the murderer of Christians who became eventually, Peter and brothers Thomas, Matthew, and Paul! They were the least horde one could expect to dish out love for the Lord and people, and yet they did! There are still a lot of them, even in our times, who continue to be the Lord’s instruments and channels of His love and salvation.
The Gospel also speaks of my role and yours in building the kingdom of God. No effort is too small for this great enterprise because in the eyes of the Lord, nothing goes unnoticed. Nothing much is required but just to hand in our unworthiness and littleness to the Lord and allow ourselves to be mustards and yeast in His hands.
