Daily Reflection – 1/26/2024
Sacred Scripture
Jesus said to the crowds: “This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.” He said, “To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private. (Mark 4:26-34)
Reflection
Today’ s scripture is one we have all read more than once as well as heard many sermons preached on it.
It caused me today to think about you, the readers of this blog in so many countries. You and I are those mustard seeds. You and I try to nurture our faith every day so that it not only grows but becomes a light of love to others.
You and I need to stop and think about our mustard seed of faith.
The reason we grow is because we love Him and seek to live His words. Sometimes we may find that it is a challenging task. Sometimes we even despair that our actions and words do not seem to be moving us forward. And, yes, sometimes our actions or our words may even violate His teachings.
We forget that it’s the continuing growth of our faith within us. The “continued growth”. Each of us is blessed with the Holy Spirit. It’s the Holy Spirit that nudges us to do the right thing. It’s the Holy Spirit that reminds us of our value to God. It’s the Holy Spirit that gives us the wisdom to discern the effect of our lives on others.
It’s in the wisdom of the Holy Spirit that we should come to the realization that each moment of our lives has the potential of changing the life of another person. Sounds like a “tall order.” But it is not. We can affect the life of another through all the little things that have become part of the way we live a Christian life.
Little things make a big difference, and the Kingdom of God is built on little things. They are the mustard seeds that are planted, and Christ magnifies them abundantly.
The task of the followers of Christ is to look for the signs of the kingdom which may be no larger than a mustard seed; to live and love with a new perspective; and to offer that perspective in the name of God to all that we meet.
When Jesus tells His listeners that the Kingdom of God is like a grain of mustard seed which is the smallest seed on earth, but which becomes the greatest of all shrubs, He is inviting men and women to look at the world with new eyes.
You can do great things for God if you are willing to accept and act upon the tiny seeds of love, generosity, mercy, justice and kindness.
Each of us needs to spend more time looking for the mustard seed. To look for the first signs of His kingdom with faith and optimism. To never dismiss the small and seemingly insignificant things we do for others.
We are the mustard seeds of His kingdom. Each of us is growing our faith by trying to make our small patch of garden one that brings glory to His kingdom.
YOU and I are bringing glory to His kingdom. Now that brings a smile to my face and reminds me of how valued we are to Him who loves us endlessly.
Prayer of The Day
“Dear Lord, I pray that you allow the seeds of your words to take deep root in my life and transform me unto a fruit-nearing disciple of your kingdom.”
Daily Note
Where are you spending your energy? Are you too focused on the big moments, or are you attentive to the small ways that Christ is calling you to serve? Are you planting mustard seeds that will grow into something amazing, or trying to replant cedar trees on a hilltop? This week, be attentive to the small parts of your relational life – and get ready to see some Kingdom size results. God bless you.
