The Kingdom of God and its Humble beginning

Rom. 8:18-25, Lk. 13:18-21. Deep within us is planted a seed that will grow to full flowering; there is an inner “yeast” to transform and ferment us as yeast does in the dough that is baked into fresh bread, the staff of life. The whole creation eagerly awaits the revelation of what is already stirring within it and of ourselves as children of God. Today's first reading sparkles with a magnificent hope, as every human being carries the seed of eternal life, that we are called to be children of God. A grace of transformation has come through Jesus Christ for all humanity. Even the billions of non-Christians in the world also carry within them the seed or image or eternal life with God. The goodness and humanity in the pagan world, represent a yearning for what is yet to be revealed. To live our lives to the full, we must nurture the hidden mustard seed of divine possibility within us. Like the woman who kneads the yeast into the dough that will be baked into life-sustaining bread, we can do our part to contribute freshness, life and dignity, wherever we are.

In today's Gospel, Jesus speaks of what is coming to fullness, only after a period of waiting in the two parables about the Kingdom of Heaven. He uses the analogies of the tiny mustard seed growing to large bush and the yeast causing the dough to raise, tells us about the humble beginning of the Kingdom of Heaven. These are signs of the Reign of God which has begun but yet to reach its fullness. Though, its growth is always unnoticeable and invisible, but brings out tangible effects and visible results. Just as the mustard seed produces a tree which becomes the resting place for all birds, the Kingdom of Heaven grows to accommodate all mankind. Even small acts of kindness can have an impact for good. Small initiatives in the service of the Lord can be very helpful for others. We need not think that unless some Church events are big and impressive they count for little. Just like the germinating mustard seed and the growing young mustard plant, everything would not have happened unless the right and appropriate conditions were provided. Great effort and commitment is all we need to walk faithfully in the path the Lord has set before us. There will be opposition, challenges, trials and persecutions as we commit ourselves to this path set before us by the Lord, but we must realise that it is also part of the efforts of those who sought our downfall to lead us down the wrong path, by persuading us to give up the fight. We have to persevere in faith and seek the true joy that we can find in the Lord alone.

May the Lord help us to hope for the fulfillment of all the promises of God, so that we may pro-actively be a part of the process of the Lord bringing it to fruition! Amen!! Good morning, it is well with you!!!