Daily Gospel Reflection
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October 26, 2021
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.”
Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?
It is like yeast that a woman took
and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour
until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”
I have a text stream on my cell phone named “Lovely Neighbors.” They are two busy moms that I met years ago when I moved into the neighborhood. It was nothing remarkable then. We exchanged greetings, made introductions, and went about our lives. Months passed. I would see them, say hello, chat for a while, and walk away wondering why our encounters were so sporadic.
Meanwhile, in my spiritual life, I was craving a deeper connection to God and praying for stronger faith. Ironically, I felt the Holy Spirit knocking on my door through opportunities presented around me, but I didn’t always answer. My excuse was that I was too busy with the duties of daily life.
Several years later, I encountered my lovely neighbors more often, and I listened to the nudge of the Holy Spirit this time. I began going for walks, attending Mass, and praying regularly with these ladies.
I hold in wonder the love these women have for the Lord—the joy exuded with every word. They are always grateful and always prayerful. Their rooted faithfulness in the face of struggles, imperfections, and strife has been a profound spiritual lesson for me.
Through my experiences, I have realized that we can choose whether we nourish the seeds of faith planted in our lives or let them atrophy. When we choose to feed our faith and attend to the gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit, many things are possible.
The company of my lovely neighbors has brought me closer to God because I can see and feel God in them. Do others see and feel God in me?
Let us pray that others may see and feel God in each of us as we strive to be attentive to the Holy Spirit gently nudging us today and every day. Amen.
Prayer
Dear Lord, when time drags on and prayers go unanswered; when our hard work seems so futile; when we wonder what difference we’re making, remind us of the mustard seed. Though it appears so insignificant, so incapable of bringing forth life, we know it finds its purpose and serves magnificently. Bless us with great possibilities and increase our faith in your presence in all we do. Amen.
Saint of the Day
St. Evaristus was the fourth successor of St. Peter—following popes Linus, Cletus, and Clement—and the last pope of the first century AD.
He was son of a Greek Jew from Bethlehem. Legend has it that he divided Rome into seven parishes and assigned seven deacons to serve them. He has been known as a martyr, but this has not been proven. He is probably buried near St. Peter in the Vatican.
His relics rest in the Basilica reliquary chapel.
St. Evaristus, early pope of the Church, pray for us!
Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Evaristus is used with permission from Catholic Online. Last accessed October 4, 2024.