Mustard Seeds of JOY--May 31, 2024
Today’s Readings
AM Psalm 31;
Prov. 23:19-21,29-24:2; 1 Tim. 5:17-22(23-25); Matt. 13:31-35
Reflection:
Last weekend my niece visited with two of her three children, and one of her two dogs. They were moving from Utah to Florida and we were a stop on a long journey. Her husband, second child, and other dog came through the week before.
Delilah is my niece’s youngest child, she is five years old and approximately three feet high. Malcolm and I were charmed by her swingy dresses and long brown tresses and big brown eyes. Having no grandchildren of our own, we decided to claim this sweet girl and her brothers as our own. My heart melted time and time again. This little being planted seeds of joy in our home.
Not long after their arrival, Delilah and I took a walk to a nearby park. Her tiny tender hand tucked into mine, joy flowed in my veins. As we went past neighbors on their porch, I mentioned to Delilah their names were Randy and Joe. She let go of my hand and ran up to them right arm outstretched, “Hi Randy! Hi Joe! I’m Delilah!” Like the opening of a closed door, smiles spontaneously sprang forth. They chatted briefly and showed Delilah were they kept gnomes at the base of a tree. She found leaves to serve as beds for the gnomes and drew us into her imaginary world. One moment she was “Dr. Dog,” and the next, shushing us so the purple ponies could sleep. We four adults gladly played our parts. When Delilah and I arrived home from our walk, I already had a text from Randy saying that Delilah must have wonderful parents because she was such a delightful child. This little being connected me with Randy and Joe in a whole new way; and planted seeds of joy in our neighborhood.
When I was serving a parish that offered the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for children’s formation, I was given an opportunity to see how tiny mustard seeds really are—super, super tiny. I mean smaller than a grain of rice. And I was shown a picture of a full-grown mustard tree towering over a man. Jesus tells us that the kingdom of heaven is a like a mustard seed; and it is like yeast leavening bread. Small things can grow to incredibly big and wonderful things.
Perhaps we adults over-complicate our theology at times. Perhaps we try to start with the big things, missing the beauty of the importance of the small things. I am learning from little Delilah who spreads seeds of joy with her curiosity and kindness. As I ponder the future of the Threshold Center, I am reminded to hold a big dream, and to tend the small things intentionally. If we listen devoutly to God and bring love to our programs and conversations, the Spirit will take these tiny offerings and grow them beyond our imagining. Where in your life are you being invited to trust the mustard seed of the Kingdom of Heaven growing into something expansive?
Grace and Peace,
Mary Bea+
Question for Self-Reflection:
Where in your life are you being invited to trust the mustard seed of the Kingdom of Heaven growing into something expansive?