How marvelous and hopeful is the parable of the mustard seed. It is the metaphor for so many attributes of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Saint Carlo Acutis said, when we face the sun, we get a tan, but when we stand before Jesus in the Eucharist, we become saints. The mustard seed starts its journey small and insignificant, but grows to magnificence, becoming a shelter to other birds and animals. It did not transform on its own. Instead, it thrived by “facing the sun”. Similarly, we grow closer to Christ in our personal journeys by facing the sun of his presence. We grow, and not unlike the plant, we do not grow because of our efforts. We grow by the grace of God.

Saint Peter Julian Eymard may have thought of the Eucharist as the “mustard seed” of the Christian life—unassuming in appearance but bearing the full presence of Christ that catapults our spiritual transformation into the Kingdom of God. To him, the mustard seed parable may be a lesson in trusting in God’s quiet work within us, drawing us ever closer to Jesus hidden in the Eucharist.

Parables produce so many questions – Are we mere bystanders in our growth? Certainly, we must have a role in this transformation, “but what”? Christ in the Eucharist is subtle yet profound, so maybe our task is equally subtle? Is it humility, perhaps – that often elusive virtue that gets us out of our own way so that God can do his hidden work?

How will you increase your humility to grow your relationship with Christ?

How will you find Jesus hidden in the Eucharist?

Ah, it is good to be God’s mustard seed.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for your teaching that even a small amount of faith can do extraordinary things. Please help my faith grow, like a mustard seed, so that I may trust in your power and believe that with you, nothing is impossible. Amen.