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Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Meggie K. Daly

Today's Gospel: Matthew 13:31-35

 

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus uses the parable of the mustard seed in conjunction with the parable of the yeast to highlight different aspects of the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus teaches that the tiny mustard seed matures into the largest of bushes, providing a roost for birds of the sky. Immediately after that, Jesus emphasizes yeast’s ability to permeate (or leaven) every bit of flour mixture that it touches.

I had the opportunity a short while ago to examine a vial of mustard seeds, and they are indeed teensy. I learned that full-grown mustard bushes could reach up from 6 and 20 feet with a 20-foot spread and under optimal conditions, even tower to 30 feet.

Why did Jesus preach these parables one after the other? Perhaps the mustard seed represents us in the kneading hands of the Lord. When we give to God the tiniest seed of faith, devotion, or personal sacrifice, He can grow that into something magnificent. In God’s hands, we sprout roots and a structure strong enough to support ourselves and others, too. We can become a contagious inspiration to others just as yeast spreads throughout the dough.

Yeast is my good “friend,” as I am an avid baker. I love to eat homemade bread and cinnamon rolls. After the first rise, I punch down my dough to refresh the yeast environment. After a brief rest, I shape my dough and then let then it rise again before baking. Most artisan bread has a slow, unhurried rise, as it takes longer to achieve the delicious finished product.

No matter where we start, in the hands of the Great Artisan Baker, we can achieve a wonderful aroma and texture that reminds of the kingdom of heaven. Let Jesus pull you, prod you, and shape you into His image.

No matter where we start, in the hands of the Great Artisan Baker, we can achieve a wonderful aroma and texture that reminds of the kingdom of heaven. #dailygospel

 

Ponder:


Are you holding back anything from the kneading hand of Jesus?

 

Pray:


Jesus, grow my seeds of faith, devotion, and sacrifice. Pull me, prod me, and shape me into Your image.

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Copyright 2020 Meggie K. Daly

Meggie K. Daly, a retired research scientist, is the author of Bead by Bead: The Scriptural Rosary. She is the mother of six adult children and six grandchildren. Meggie occasionally blogs at meggieKdaly.blogspot.com and is working on her second book, in between providing daycare for her young grandchildren.