The Kingdom of God

In today’s Gospel, we hear Jesus give two parables about the Kingdom of God. One that says it is like a mustard seed, and the other, saying that it is like the yeast that you mix in with flour. Both of these parables, though very short, have a rich depth to them and it allows us to creatively think about the kingdom of God and what that really looks like. Just as we have read with the disciples inquiring about the kingdom and being told that it is unlike an earthly kingdom with fickle rulers and material wealth as its background. The kingdom of God is much more than what we can image, this is why Jesus says “the kingdom is like...” rather than “this is like the kingdom...”. When we think of the mustard seed, we see one of the smallest seeds. If not seen in a large amount, it can be easily misplaced for its size is so small. But, given time, care, and patience, it grows into a mighty tree that can be noticed for quite a distance due to its size. Like all seeds, it begins in a hard shell, and requires itself to break open, to be a vulnerable sapling before it can have the hardened bark that protects itself from the harsh elements. And just like kneading yeast into flour, it takes time and patience, and a good amount of force to be able to do so. This is all to say that the kingdom of God is not one of stone walls or material wealth, but it is one made up of people; people who require growth, who require love, who require the versatility to go through a period of vulnerability to get to the period of being rooted in faith.

Reflection: How do I view the kingdom of God?

Lord God, thank you for today and everyday. Thank you for your love and mercy which you shine down upon me. Lord, help me to break open my shell and be vulnerable to you. Send forth your Spirit Lord that you may knead in me those virtues which will call me closer to you. I pray, through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen.

Resource: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/103018.cfm