Size of the Faith, that of Mustard seed, and its power

Gospel Thoughts 

*Ordinary Season : 18th Week - Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 17:14-20*

*First Reading - Dt 6:4-13*

*Size of the Faith, that of Mustard seed, and its power*

*1) Mustard seed and Faith*

Mustard seed is something which we can see, touch and carry from one place to the another 

Faith is something, which can't be seen, but definitely can experience in our life

Jesus makes a beautiful comparison between mastard seed and our Faith 

*2) Having Faith that of a size of Mustard seed*

Jesus is giving a simple calculation, telling us that it is enough to have faith, that of a size of mustard seed

Since we can imagine the size of a mustard seed, it is not so difficult to imagine the faith that of the size of the mustard seed 

Is Jesus is referring only the faith which is equal to thr size of a mustard seed or is there any deeper meaning in it? 

Careful observation will tell us that the size of mustard seed is not a simple thing as it appears in today's Gospel. It has to be seen in other context too 

*3) Kingdom of God is referred to the mustard seed*

Jesus has a beautiful parable, where Jesus explains the Kingdom of God through the mustard seed 

Jesus says, the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds, when it is sown, but it becomes tallest of all threes when it grows 

This explanation of Jesus about the mustard seed really shows the power and glory of the mustard seed 

*4) Two things highlighted : Smallest of all seed, tallest of all trees*

Before it was sown it was smallest of all seeds. When it grows it becomes the tallest of all trees. 

This speaks about the power and beauty of the mustard seed 

So when Jesus refers the faith to the size of a mustard seed, we need to think about it in a broad way 

*5) From seed to the Tree*

So it is very clear that it is enough that we have a seed of mustard seed, which has the capacity to become great tree. 

Seed itself is so powerful that it can produce a huge tree. 

Such a huge tree is found in a small seed is really a miracle 

The same logic is used in faith. 

Faith that of the size of a mustard seed is enough to grow and to become like a huge tree. 

The tiny *seed of faith* has the capacity to grow and to become like a huge tree of faith 

So such a tiny seed of faith has the capacity to move the mountains and trees as Jesus tells us 

*6) Do I have the Seed? A biggest question*

It is not the question how much faith I have. But the question is whether I have the seed of faith or not 

Having a seed of faith means, sign of growth, because seeds never remain without going through the changes. 

Change and growth is at the centre of the seed. Likewise there is also change and growth in the seed of faith 

*7) How about my life?*

Do I have the seed of faith or lost? 

Do I allow the seed of faith to sprout and to grow?

How far I work hard to take care of the growth of the plant of the faith tree? 

Is the tree of my faith growing or has its been stunt? 

What can l do to facilitate the growth of the plant of faith?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*