Lord, you are good and forgiving. — Psalm 86:5

Mass Readings: Wisdom 12:13, 16-19 / Romans 8:26-27 / Matthew 13:24-43 or 13:24-30 

Growing the Kingdom 

What is the Kingdom of Heaven like? Jesus speaks in parables, giving examples familiar to all. Gardeners know that tiny seeds grow plants large enough to feed a family. Bakers understand the importance of yeast. (I’ve carefully mixed and kneaded, covered my dough to rise — and then, nothing! I forgot to add the yeast.) 

I think the point is that the coming of the Kingdom of God changes everything and, with God, tremendous growth is possible. Forget Him and our lives are as flat and unproductive as my lump of unleavened dough. But notice that in Jesus’ parables, people were actively involved. A person sowed the mustard seed; a woman mixed yeast with her flour. So, too, are we called to do our part in growing the Kingdom of God. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may Your kingdom come.