The most minor acts of kindness
In today’s Gospel, on this 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jesus poses the
question, “To what shall we compare the kingdom of God? It is like a mustard
seed that, when sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth.
But once it is sown, it springs up, becomes the largest of plants, and puts forth
large branches so the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” This parable, a
beacon of wisdom, speaks to the realm where God’s will is fully realized, and
love and faith flourish. Its teachings are timeless, and offer us valuable lessons,
inspiring us to nurture our faith and love for the Kingdom of God.
In today’s fast-paced and demanding society, it’s easy to feel insignificant or
to doubt the impact of our small actions. However, the parable of the mustard
seed encourages us to cultivate even the most minor acts of kindness, moments
of prayer, and efforts to live out our faith. Just as the mustard seed becomes a
sprawling tree, so too can our seemingly minor actions, when combined and
nurtured, grow into something magnificent and impactful. This parable is a
powerful testament to the transformative power of our small acts.
The parable of the mustard seed also invites us to trust in God and
transformation; it teaches us about patience and the natural progression of
growth. The Kingdom of God may start small but we are reassured that it will
grow in God’s time and according to His plan. Our role is to sow the seeds
through our actions, faith and love, and trust that God will bring growth.
Today, is also Father’s Day weekend, a time to pay tribute and express our
deep gratitude to our earthly fathers. Fathers are the pillars of our lives and play
a pivotal role in cultivating our faith and love. Just as the mustard seed grows
and provides shelter, our fathers have been instrumental in nurturing and
providing for us. They have sown seeds of love, guidance, and support, helping
us to grow and flourish. The contributions of our fathers have had a profound
impact on our spiritual lives, for which we are eternally grateful.
As we reflect on the Gospel and celebrate Father’s Day, let us thank God for
the gift of our earthly fathers. Let us appreciate the tiny seeds of faith and love
they have planted in our lives, and commit to nurturing these seeds so that they
may grow and bear fruit. In doing so, we participate in unfolding the Kingdom of
God, creating a world where love, kindness, and faith can flourish, providing
shelter and sustenance for all. I encourage you to take a moment today to
express your gratitude to your fathers and reflect on how you can nurture your
faith and love in the coming days and weeks.
Happy Father’s Day to all Fathers!
Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor.