Small Beginnings

 

  Lk 13:18-21

The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast

¹⁸ Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? ¹⁹ It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”

²⁰ Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? ²¹ It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

Donovan's lyrics, "small beginnings, greater ends" from a song he wrote for the film, "Brother Sun, Sister Moon," come to mind as I contemplate these two simple but powerful parables. Most of us have not planted mustard seeds, but we take the evidence from farmers that indeed this small seed yields a large tree.  Some of us have worked with bread and know the power of yeast to double the size of the dough as it rises over several hours. Punch it down, and it comes back even larger.  If so with these everyday things, how much more with the word of God? As Jesus was trying to simplify the mystery behind the power of his word, may we pray for a deeper faith that allows the kingdom of God to grow from small beginnings to greater ends.

Bro. Rene

Dear God, thank you for reminding us of the power of the mustard seed and a bit of yeast. Increase my faith to believe that even my weak and tiny seed of faith can yield abundant fruit. Amen.