The Growth of the Loaf

Note: after a long absence, Bro. Rene's Daily Bread will now appear as usual, thanks to help and instruction from Br. Sean Sammon.

When yeast is mixed with basic flour, water and a bit of sugar, kneaded and allowed to rise in a warm place, the mixture will double in size, if not triple. An amazing phenomenon to a first-time bread baker, but to a veteran, something expected and rarely disappointing.  There are days when the kneading, rolling and rising are exceptionally easy.  A lot depends on the mood and disposition of the baker:  when stressed, he or she tends to have to fight a dough which seems to have set up its own resistance. Other days, when the baker is peaceful and calm, the dough is supple and compliant and yields a large loaf of light, airy bread.
So it is with the "Kingdom of God" or the work of evangelization. When the evangelizer is at peace and in concert with God's will, the results grow beyond expectation; when under pressure or stress, the evangelizer finds limited success.  It's all God's work, but there is something to be said about the disposition of his intermediary.  If chosen for this task, (and we all are to varying degrees), the first step is to prepare for it by "relaxing in the Lord":  turning the job over to him and letting our hands be his instruments. It is then that God's work can be done most effectively without interference from us.
Bro.  Rene