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Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare
it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the
garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the
birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.” Luke
13:18–19
This short parable should speak to many people far more than they
realize. It should be a source of great encouragement to us all as
we seek to build up the Kingdom of God through apostolic
works.
The mustard seed is very small. At first, when someone holds it in
their hand, they may not think much of it. But if they did plant it
under ideal conditions, that seed could grow into a tree upwards of
20 feet tall.
Jesus uses this parable to teach us many lessons. One such lesson
is that of our apostolic works of charity. When you think of the
call of being an apostle for the Lord, spreading the Gospel to the
ends of the earth, what comes to mind? Perhaps the first thought is
of those who have been entrusted with a very large, public and
vibrant ministry. In this case, it is easier to see the good fruit
born of one’s apostolic works. But what about you? For most people,
they may strive to love and serve others in every small way they
can, and they fail to see the abundance of good fruit born from
their efforts. When this happens, some may become discouraged and
lose zeal for the spreading of the Gospel.
If this is you, then consider the mustard seed. Planting this small
seed is representative of much of our apostolic endeavors. God
calls us to do small acts of kindness, share our faith in subtle
and even hidden ways, serve out of love even when it is unnoticed,
and to do so without ceasing. Do these small acts bear fruit for
the Kingdom of God? If you believe this parable of the mustard
seed, then the answer must be a resounding “Yes.”
Many times in life, we will never see the full effects that our
actions have on others. Our negative influence will affect them far
more than we realize. And our loving acts of charity, by which we
share our faith, will also affect people far more than we realize.
Believing in the message of this Parable of the Mustard Seed should
lead us to believe that planting those small seeds of faith,
through our charity, virtues, and words, will indeed bear an
abundance of good fruit, far more than we may ever know, until we
enter the glories of Heaven.
Reflect, today, upon your duty to daily plant the smallest seeds of
faith and love. Do not get discouraged if your efforts do not bear
abundantly obvious fruit. Simply commit yourself to the planting,
over and over. Take delight in sowing the seed of faith and see
this as your mission. If you do this throughout your life, from
Heaven you will look back and be amazed at how God powerfully
brought forth His Kingdom through those seemingly insignificant
acts of faith and love.
My glorious King, You desire that Your Kingdom grow far and wide
through our efforts of love. Please do use me, dear Lord, to plant
Your seeds of faith and charity every day. May I never tire of
these apostolic endeavors and may I always take great delight in
serving You and building Your Kingdom in every way I can. Jesus, I
trust in You.
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