Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Often when people hear Jesus’ parable in today’s Gospel, they think of the mustard seed growing into a majestic tree. However, the mustard plant is more like a weed. Once its very small seed takes root and grows, it overtakes the crops it grew next to and becomes hard to get rid of. Ironically, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to this pesky plant. So what is Jesus trying to tell us?
I’m reminded of the time when I was discerning to be a religious Sister. Once the idea of becoming one came to me, it never went away even when I ignored it. I wanted God to send me a big sign like one of those enormous neon signs that would tell me what decision I should make. However, God never did that. Instead, God sent me smaller signs of supportive family, friends, and faith community and a priest who talked to me about discernment during Confession. Perhaps that is what Jesus meant when he compared the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed. God’s call starts small and then once it grows it’s hard to get rid of.
Like the man in today’s Gospel who scatters the seed, we are also called to spread the Good News. As Jesus’ disciples, we can help in his mission of bringing the Reign of God in the world so that all people can experience God’s love and mercy. How can you do that today?
—Sr. Emily Sandoval, FMI