A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 13:18-21)
Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus makes comparisons to the Kingdom of God in two parables. The tiny mustard seed, no larger than the largest grain of sand, grows large enough for birds to make nests in its branches. Jesus goes on to compare the Kingdom of God to yeast mixed into wheat flour, which leavens a large batch of dough. To whatever degree the Kingdom of God is present now, much more is to come in its fulfillment. As Saint Paul says in the first reading: “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God.”
Father in heaven, help me see your kingdom in the present but also wait for what is to come with eager expectation. The best days experienced on this earth still contain suffering. Yet, the smallest seeds of hope in your kingdom—already here and still to come—sustain me as I wait for what Saint Paul calls “the glory to be revealed for us.” Strengthen me today, Lord, with childlike hope. In the words of the psalmist: “Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, They shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves. The Lord has done marvels for us.” Give me the grace to wait with endurance for what I cannot yet see.
From the Gospel acclamation: “Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.” Lord, thank you for your kingdom; in it, let me grow more and more in love of its mysteries.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.