The two short parables on the Kingdom of God that form today’s Gospel both illustrate the enormous potential impact of very small actions. A couple of tiny mustard seeds can produce a magnificent tree, just as a little bit of yeast makes a magnificent loaf of bread. Jesus tells us that “the kingdom of God” is like the tiny mustard seed and the measure of yeast. The message for us is that our missionary discipleship is like the seed and the yeast, contributing to the existence of the Kingdom of God.

Both readings speak of the relationship between God and God’s people. In the passage from Exodus, we see Moses destroy the written teachings of God, specifically the tablets containing the Ten Commandments. In the Gospel of Matthew, we observe Jesus teaching by speaking in parables (Latin “comparisons”). As he concludes his teaching, he quotes from the Psalms to assert that, in telling parables, he has “announced what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world” (Psalm 78:2).

As baptized Christians, we can use God’s Word in Scripture to share God’s teachings. And, of course, our behavior and actions help family, friends, and indeed all people get closer to God, closer to the Kingdom of God. Christians are both the mustard seed and the sower of the seed, the yeast and the person who uses the yeast. We can find abundant material to enrich our Christian witness in the stories of the saints we celebrate this week, Saints Martha, Mary, Lazarus, Saint Ignatius Loyola, Saint Alphonsus Liguori, and our very own Saint Peter Julian Eymard, who wrote: “The Eucharist is the supreme proof of the love of Jesus. After this, there is nothing more but heaven itself.”

Prayer:

Open our hearts, O Lord, and enlighten our minds by the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may seek what is well-pleasing to your will, and so order our doings after your commandments, that we may be found fit to enter into your everlasting joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Saint Bede the Venerable)