In today’s brief Gospel, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed and to yeast. Both Matthew (13:33) and Luke recount these two parables; Matthew emphasizes more the small beginnings, and Luke focuses more on the greatness of the effects. In both cases, what started off small, becomes great.

            There are a couple details that call our attention: first, Luke tells us that the man planted the seed in “his own garden,” presumably so he could look after it and tend its growth.[1] The growth happens because the man is there, looking after the plant. Likewise, Jesus literally says that the woman “hid the yeast in the dough.”[2] At first, neither the yeast nor its effects can be seen. It works hidden, in silence, but, after a time, the results are noticeable.

            The same thing happens in our lives. In the book of Zechariah (4:10), we read: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin.”[3] Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin.” Although we desire to be holy, the process of our sanctification is worked out over time. Often it takes place hidden in silence, in the moments of prayer, in the small sacrifices that we make. To despise these little things is to cut off the path of salvation; to embrace them, to do the little things for Jesus, is to set off on the long road that leads to heaven.

            Let us ask, through the intercession of Mary, Queen of Heaven, for the grace to work with God, and to strive with all our hearts to become saints.

[1] The NABRE omits this: the Greek is ὁμοία ἐστὶν κόκκῳ σινάπεως, ὃν λαβὼν ἄνθρωπος ἔβαλεν εἰς κῆπον ἑαυτοῦ (literally, the garden of him).

[2] Also omitted by the NABRE: the Greek reads ὁμοία ἐστὶν ζύμῃ, ἣν λαβοῦσα γυνὴ ἔκρυψεν εἰς ἀλεύρου σάτα τρία, ἕως οὗ ἐζυμώθη ὅλον.

[3] NLV translation.