Today Jesus tells us more on the parables of the mustard seed and the leavening.  I love these stories and so do my 3-6 year old students in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd class at our parish.  The children can’t believe the seed is so small and yet how it will grow so big!  The yeast in the flour is another wonder they just want to experience over and over.

Even I am amazed at seeing the tiny particles of yeast and flour mixed together to then slowly puff up and become a delightful treat of fresh bread.  I’ve never seen a mustard seed grow to a big tree, but I’ve seen pictures of these trees.  Lots of shade and homes for birds.  But what else is Jesus telling me here that I’m missing?  I’ve had it on my mind all day and I keep searching.

I think it’s the things happening almost without notice, quietly occurring during the course of the day.  Like listening actively when someone speaks.  Looking at their eyes as they address me.  Lifting a hand, replying to a question instead of asking.  Small acts of charity, not planned, but spontaneous.  Being patient.  Waiting.  Waiting.  Did I say waiting?  I’m not a waiting type girl.  But how else will I see the wonder and awe of so much God has given us if I’m always running ahead, thinking ahead (or to the past). Bread rises so slowly, but it rises.  Trees can’t be seen growing, yet they grow so large. When does it happen?  Slowly and consistently, like God’s love for us.  Like the Kingdom of God.  He’s not going to just throw me into it…. I have to prepare, here and now, by searching him out in my day and spending time with him.  Loving him by loving others.  Giving him praise for so many gifts given to mankind.  The Kingdom of God is like the seed and the yeast because God waits patiently for us to turn towards him, to accept his ways and reject those of the evil one.  Even if our faith is as small as the seed or as large as the tree, the Kingdom will be ours.  May I take the gifts given to me; plant and mix them into my life so that they can grow like rising bread and the mustard seed.