Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed…, 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.” (Lk 13:18-21)

In today’s modern world, scientists can explain how yeast works, or how a seed bursts into new life as a tiny plant. Most of us, however, continue to be amazed by the dynamic life forces that surround us. Imagine being a Jew in the crowd that day. A member of that crowd could probably not envision the relatively small group of people who first followed Jesus growing to 1.2 billion Catholic Christians today. The Church from its very beginnings has sought through her many different ministries and her members to build up the kingdom of God on earth. The faithful have endured for 2,000 years, witnessing to the Gospel despite persecution and other setbacks. When we suffer physically or emotionally, or see young people abandoning their faith, for example, it is difficult to persevere in the promise that Jesus gives us in today’s Gospel. We, as people of God, are called to be examples of faith – enduring hardship if it comes our way, but continuing to hope in the dynamic life and growth of the kingdom of God. God is still actively working in and through us to build His Kingdom on earth. So, do not be afraid to be seeds or to be yeast in your environment today. How do we nurture our tiny seed of faith into a beautiful, life-sustaining plant that leads us to God so that others may benefit from it? Let us pray for a scoop of Miracle Grow today :-). 

Help me to spread your fragrance everywhere I go - let me preach you without preaching, not by words but by my example - by the catching force, the sympathetic influence of what I do, the evident fullness of the love my heart bears to you. (St. John Henry Newman)

Hail Mary full of grace…

St. Joseph, pray for us.

Peace in Christ,

Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church

Houston, TX