The Power of the Small Things

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Third Week : Friday*

*Gospel :Mk 4:26-34*

*First Reading : Heb 10:32-39*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 37:3-4, 5-6, 23-24, 39-40*

*The Power of the Small Things*

The mustard seed in biblical teaching carries a profound message about the power of small things

*1) Small Beginnings Lead to Great Outcomes*

In the Parable of the mustard seed,  Jesus highlights the power and potentiality of the mustard seed

Despite being the smallest of all seeds, the mustard seed grows into a large tree. 

This illustrates that great things often begin from humble or seemingly insignificant beginnings.

The same can be said of faith—what may appear to be a tiny act of trust in God can lead to significant transformation, not only in one’s life but also in the world around us. 

The Kingdom of God, though it started with just a few disciples, spread across the world in a way that was unimaginable in its early days

*2) Faith as a Powerful Force*

The mustard seed is also used to demonstrate that even a small amount of faith can be powerful. 

In Matthew 17:20, Jesus says that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. 

This speaks to the power of faith, not in its quantity, but in its quality. 

When faith is placed in God, it can accomplish great things. The emphasis is not on the size of the faith but on the one in whom the faith is placed—God, who is infinitely powerful.

*3) The Kingdom of God in Small Acts*

The mustard seed metaphor also teaches us that the Kingdom of God grows in quiet, unassuming ways, through small acts of love, kindness, and faithfulness. 

Jesus did not come with great power or an army; He came humbly and carried out His mission with simple acts of compassion and teaching. 

Likewise, our small efforts—helping a neighbor, sharing a word of encouragement, being faithful in prayer—can have an impact that is far greater than we realize. 

The Kingdom often advances through these small, faithful actions.

*4) God's Power in Small Things*

The Bible consistently shows that God often uses small or weak things to accomplish His purposes.

For example, God chose David, a young shepherd, to defeat Goliath, the giant.

Jesus came in the form of a baby, born in a manger, to change the course of history. 

These instances reflect how God delights in working through what the world might overlook or dismiss as insignificant. 

The mustard seed teaches us that God’s power is not limited by size or appearance. Even the smallest things in His hands can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

*5) Transformation Through Patience*

A mustard seed grows slowly, over time, into something large. 

This aspect of the mustard seed invites us to reflect on the process of transformation. 

It’s not always the big, dramatic moments that bring about change, but the consistent, patient growth that happens day by day.

Similarly, our spiritual growth often happens gradually, through small moments of obedience, prayer, and learning. 

Gradually, these small acts bring about significant transformation in our lives and in the lives of those around us.

*6) Encouragement for the Ordinary*

The mustard seed also speaks to the value of the ordinary. 

We live in a world that often celebrates the large, the fast, and the extraordinary.

But Jesus’ use of the mustard seed reminds us that even the seemingly *ordinary* or *small* things in life matter deeply in God’s Kingdom. 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*