Parable of the mustard seed

Bible verse:
He said, “To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God,
or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth.” (Mark 4: 26-34)

Inspiration:
In today’s Gospel Jesus compares the growth of His kingdom on earth to that of the mustard plant found throughout Israel. Starting as a minuscule seed, the herb's spreading branches reach a luxuriant 15 feet high in just a few weeks.

The parable of the mustard seed reminds us that our spoken words are like those tiny mustard seeds, which, when scattered, take root in people’s hearts and minds where they grow, blossom and bear fruit.

A single mustard seed measures little more than one centimeter, yet it contains the essence of life. Just as with that seed, the words of faith are often small – no more than one or two syllables – and yet they contain the essence of spiritual life. When we speak of God, faith, hope, love, joy, grace, prayer, and peace,  the power of those small words spreads and grows beyond anything we can imagine.   

Since ancient times, farmers have cultivated the mustard plant as a condiment because the oil from its seeds brings out the best in other foods. The farmers couldn’t be sure where all the seeds they scattered would germinate and neither can we know for sure where the words we speak will bring out the best in someone else.

All we know is that the kind of seed we sow will determine our yield for “the one who sows for the spirit will reap eternal life from the spirit.” (Galatians 6:8)

(See also the reflection entitled, "Sometimes Less is More.")

 

Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner.