Homily for Monday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time

In today's Gospel passage, we hear two parables that are metaphors for the ministry of Jesus on earth. The ministry He performs in Galilee is compared to the growth of the mustard seed and the yeast; both begin very small and seem insignificant at their beginnings.

 

Indeed, the work of Jesus, to that point, had been done quietly and without great flourish. However, the parables imply that, from these tiny beginnings, will come something incredibly significant. Just as the tiny mustard seed grows into a tree so large that the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches, and just as that little bit of yeast leavened those three measures of wheat flour, so will Jesus' ministry flourish.

 

Unremarkable beginnings can have quite remarkable results when it comes to the work of the LORD. We need to realize that, with the grace of God and our efforts, the simple gifts we have to offer can make a positive impact on our world, even if it is just a small part of it. God can work remarkably through our tiniest efforts if we perform them out of love and devotion for Him. The LORD calls us to plant good seeds and to trust that He will do the rest.+