Daily Gospel Reflection
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October 27, 2020
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.”
Jesus’ comparisons in this gospel passage teaches us a few important lessons about the Kingdom of God. By likening the Kingdom to a common plant or rising dough, he is showing us that the Kingdom is among us, all around us, and connected to our everyday lives. But, more specifically, the comparisons he choses indicate amazing, rapid growth.
These comparisons remind me of what is known as a “force multiplier” in business or military terms. Simply put, force multipliers are factors that can be introduced to situations to dramatically increase results while keeping other factors constant. An example of this would be an information system that integrates various aspects of a process to prevent bottlenecks. In a more abstract sense, another example of this could be a team member who effectively manages interpersonal relationships to promote morale and reduce conflict.
One time, I made dough for homemade pizza. I set it aside to rise and came back in an hour to check on it. I looked under the kitchen towel and said, “Wow, a lot has happened since I left!” I felt the same way about a team I was managing one time. Once I changed a certain person’s role, the results from that team came in faster and better than ever before. I just needed to find the right recipe!
It’s hard to think that we have to be the yeast or the mustard plant all on our own. We don’t. We have to be part of a team that is looking for the Kingdom of God among us and trying to help it grow. The Holy Spirit is the catalyst. The one thing we can be sure of is this: when we recognize the Kingdom of God in our presence and do our best to foster it, we should expect big results!
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. Odhran is remembered for assisting the great St. Columba in spreading monasticism throughout Iona and Scotland in the sixth century.
He was an abbot who led a monastery in Ireland, and who left his post to be among the 12 that Columba took with him when he sailed north to establish a monastery on Iona, an island off the coast of Scotland.
Soon after arriving, Odhran fell ill; sensing that death was near, he said, “I would be the first to die under the covenant of the kingdom of God in this place.” Columba replied, “I will give you that kingdom, and moreover, this also: that whoever makes a request at my burial-place shall not get it until they pray to you as well.”
Columba left the house, not wanting to see his friend die. When he looked up, he saw a vision of demons and angels fighting for Odhran’s soul, with the angels triumphing. His body was the first buried on Iona, and is still there in this chapel in the island’s only cemetery (photo by Keith Laverack).
St. Odhran, you died in your efforts to spread the faith in Iona and Scotland—pray for us!