The Strength of the Fully grown mustard Seed

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirtieth Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 13:18-21*

*First Reading : Eph 5:21-33 or Eph 5:2a, 25-32 or 5:2a, 25-32*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5*

*The Strength of the Fully grown mustard Seed*

*1) The parable of the mustard Seed*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the mustard seed 

In this parable, Jesus gives the explanation of the growth of the mustard seed 

Jesus speaks about the *fully grown,* mustard plant 

So we need to see the reality of the growth and challenges involved in the Growth

*2) Fragility of the Sapling*

When the seed in sown in the garden, it sprouts after few days 

The tender sapling is very fragile. Because it can be destroyed with in no time 

Either by a worm, or by some insects or by small creatures which are very active in the night or even the strong wind or fiery son is enough to end the life of the sapling 

So in the initial stage it has to withstand with many challenging situations 

*3) Full growth of the plant*

Once the plant overcomes all the challenges, it can stand by its own strength 

None of these challenges can shake the life of the plant. It becomes very strong 

The strength of the plant is beautifully explained in today's Gospel 

When it is fully grown 

A) It becomes large bush 

B) It produces large branches

C) It is able to give shelter to others 

D) Birds of the air build their nests in the branches 

E) It gives Shade to others 

*4) Mustard seed, Kingdom of God*

The whole logic of explaining the growth of mustard seed is to explain the growth of the Kingdom of God 

The growth of the Kingdom of God is similar to that of the mustard seed 

The fully grown mustard seed and the fully developed Kingdom of God has similar results 

So there is a beautiful comparison between mustard seed and Kingdom of God

*5) Not Fully grown mustard plant*

Unless one takes care of the mustard seed and sapling, it can't automatically grow fully 

Not fully grown mustard plant is like seed fell on the rocky ground and seed fell among the thorny bushes. It failed to produce fruit 

A Kingdom of God, which is not properly grown in our life can't produce any fruit 

*6) Mustard Seed and My Faith life*

At Baptism the seed was sown in our life 

At the earlier stage the sapling of the faith life is taken care by the parents

At the later stage it is our own duty to nurture the plant of faith life amidst all challenges 

Unless we protect this sapling of faith life, it can't grow

If this sapling of faith dies, the life itself dies and has no meaning whatsoever 

So how is the mustard plant of faith life, in my life? 

Is it gowing? 

Is the growth is stuck? 

Is it finding difficult to face the onslaught of the threats? 

Has it gown fully? 

Is it producing any fruit?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*