REFLECTIONS TODAY

Though, strictly speaking, the mustard seed may not be the smallest, it is, proverbially speaking. Jesus contrasts here between the “smallest of all” (seed) and the “largest of plants” (shrub) (v 32). The shrub even becomes a tree that shelters birds in its branches. This image recalls Daniel 4:7-12 where a magnificent tree is home to the birds and which provides food for all. Here, emphasis is on the contrast between the insignificant beginnings of Jesus’ ministry and a magnificent end it will eventually attain. Jesus’ band of disciples—fishermen, tax collectors, even women—are insignificant by the standards of the Pharisees or by any standard of the world. And yet this band of inconsequential people will eventually permeate and transform the world. Here again, we have a picture of the Kingdom of God working silently yet effectively. The works of God often have small beginnings. Still, they will attain God’s purpose precisely because they are his works, and not simply human initiatives.

Gospel • Mt 13:31-35

Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds. “The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’ ” He spoke to them another parable. “The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.” All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, 35to fulfill what had been said through the prophet: I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world. *Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]); Website: [http://www.stpauls.ph](http://www.stpauls.ph).*