Mustard Seed – Reflection on Luke 13:18-21
The kingdom of God already partially here and yet to come can be considered an exponential scale that we have just touched the starting point. Each step forward in our transformation within reveals the kingdom’s further immensity. Jesus uses the example of us as the tiny mustard seed becoming a sizable plant for others to participate in and enjoy, which resonates with many ministries that I am familiar with. From experience, I know we can joyfully grow from the littleness of self into community towards a far more wonderous future that is yet to come. I dedicate this reflection to the founder’s vision of the “Mustard Seed” ministry as part of the Catholic Worker in Massachusetts, USA. Among other things, with the assistance of people and organizations, the Mustard Seed daily serves an evening meal to a community that needs assistance. These kinds of ministries are the most selfless and group-based unconditional acts of love I know.
The Sower by James Tissot (full-resolution painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 13:18-21 – Scripture*
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
18 He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? 19 It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.”
The Parable of the Yeast
20 And again he said, “To what should I compare the kingdom of God? 21 It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 13:18-21 Reflection – Mustard Seed.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative payer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 13 Bible passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
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