Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’ He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’ Jesus told the crowds all these things in parables; without a parable he told them nothing. This was to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet: ‘I will open my mouth to speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation of the world.’

Centuries of longing for a promised saviour to rescue Israel, not from Roman rule but from the rule of their own will was being fulfilled. Jesus had arrived, announcing that God’s Kingdom was at hand, teaching it was open to anyone ‘who had ears to hear.’ (Matthew 13:9) Today’s parables feature a tiny seed and some dry powder – such insignificant items most unlikely to be considered important ingredients to build the great kingdom of God. But they did reveal the hidden mysteries required for Kingdom access.
The tiny mustard seed, in order to grow large enough to provide shade and shelter for many, first has to break open its protective outer layer. The emerging roots can then access nutrients from the soil so the shoots burst forth, seeking light and warmth from the sun to continue growing. Similarly, heat is required to activate tiny molecules within the yeast to produce and release gas for the transformation of tasteless flour so the whole batch can rise into a delicious loaf of nourishing bread.

Entry into God’s Kingdom isn’t exclusive, but available to anyone prepared to undergo transformative growth. Following God’s Will allows His light and warmth to activate the spiritual growth required to provide shade and shelter for others or relieve the suffering of others.

Let’s ask ourselves today: Are we truly seeking to follow God’s Will, allowing His transformative Holy Spirit to break through our outer protective layers of pride or possession, in order to activate growth that enables the whole batch to rise evenly, warmly and lovingly?