Matthew 13: 31-35 (Monday, July 30, 2007)

In the parable of today, Jesus likens the kingdom of God to a mustard seed which is the smallest seed, yet when it grows, it is a big tree. We know that the mustard seed was not the smallest seed even at the time. It was a common proverbial expression at the time that the mustard seed was the smallest seed. Jesus is not trying to show that the mustard seed is the smallest seed but his interest is on how when this small seed grow, it becomes a big tree. Yesterday at Mass, Jesus taught his disciples how to pray and he explicitly prayed that the kingdom of God come. When we always pray for the kingdom of God, when we pray for the reign of God, we sometimes have the tendency to think of a dramatic event in which suddenly God will reign over the whole earth. This is not the intention of Jesus. This kingdom grows gradually like the mustard seed beginning first from our hearts and then gradually extending to others in the world. We are partakers in making this kingdom come upon the earth by the way we live our lives radically in the world. Imagine if the 1 billion Catholics in the world each tried to change some one and bring the kingdom of God to that person! The kingdom of God would soon come upon the earth.

We are invited this week to work to bring about the kingdom of God to the earth. The best way we can do this is to be Christ’s love and presence to the people we encounter this week. Look at them as another Christ and treat them as such. In this way, the kingdom of God would soon reign upon the earth.

Prayer:
Lord God, let your kingdom come upon the earth as it is in heaven. Give us the courage to live radically your kingdom in our hearts and in the world. Use as instruments to bring about this kingdom upon the earth.