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3rd August 2024
SaturdayReflection
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'Lois Spreen' shares
Reflections
on Matthew 13:31-33
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"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches."
When I think of this scripture I also think of another reference to a mustard seed
"For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there', and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you."
The first thing that strikes me is how weird this parable is relative to the world we live in and I grew up in.
When has small and understated ever been rewarded in our culture or even desired?
It is not the way we are taught to make things happen.
Being smart, strong, rich, powerful, and beautiful is what makes mountains move.
As I perceive and take in the images and messages that come at me every day in the media, I see that the movers and shakers in our world are still the athletic, beautiful powerful, rich or talented.
So what can the parable of the tiny mustard seed offer us?
The scripture has a way of turning conventional thinking on its head.
In the American culture where power, wealth, and winning are so important, the parable of the mustard seed is nothing short of counter-cultural or even revolutionary.
It challenges us to look at our world through a different lens.
In scripture, the weak become strong, the lame walk, and the blind see.
A tiny mustard seed grows into faith that moves mountains.
A tiny mustard seed is capable of transforming our world.
What we see is that the kingdom of God is not a kingdom of power and might, but a reign of love.
The kingdom of God (kingdom of love) comes into being by spreading from person to person and not by force.
It is a quiet revolution: at first silent and imperceptible (like the mustard seed planted in the earth), but ultimately dynamic and transformative.
Love is not linear, it grows exponentially.
As I look around, I see so many needs in our world.
Why should I (or we) "plant our little mustard seed" when there are others around us who are going to be better at it - whatever "it" is - than we are?
But God doesn't care about my credentials.
We are enough!
Instead, we are merely asked to respond to the invitation - the invitation to plant our mustard seed.
To offer who we are, where we are.
We are not asked to worry about whether our efforts will be successful, noticed or honoured.
God is the soil that makes those seeds grow and God has promised that even the smallest amount of faith or faithful action will bring things into our life, our community, and the world beyond our expectations.
Like the ripples made by a small stone thrown into the water, our faith and actions send waves into the world around us.
The parable of the mustard seed takes us where we are and invites us to step out in faith (even if it is almost imperceptible) and in action (even if viewed by others as insignificant) because the outcome of planting these small seeds is big.
And the cool thing about the parable of the mustard seed is not only does the seed grow into a big tree, but it is a place that birds come to nest.
In essence, the seeds transform into a place of rest, refuge and community. Wow!
The parable of the mustard seed offers both reassurance and promise.
Reassurance that we are enough and that even the tiniest demonstration of faith or faithful action will have an impact.
We each are invited to take our own "baby steps of faith": a gentle touch, a note of sympathy, a word of encouragement, standing up for those who cannot, helping someone in need, offering our time, talent or treasure.
These are just some of the mustard seeds we are invited to plant.
The promise is that together our steps of faith and action will ripple out into our faith community and beyond.
The promise is that our mustard seeds will grow our faith community in ways we can't even imagine; now, during this time of uncertainty, and into the future.
The promise is that the seeds will grow into what God intends: something wonderful, mysterious and transformative.
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This is an edited version.
The full article is avaiable on request
Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church
"We are an inclusive spiritual community, and welcome all who long for meaning, hope, and belonging.
Our faith and practice are rooted in the Way of Jesus and are enriched by wisdom from all sources.
We are committed to being and becoming a people of radical compassion, working for justice and wholeness in ourselves and in the world."
Lois Spreen Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church.
Lives in Shepherdstown, West Virginia
From Armonk, New York
Contact the Rector
The Revd.
Nic.Edwards
The Rectory,
Church Lane,
BUGBROOKE,
Northampton,
NN7 3PB
Land Line: 01604 - 815496
(Can be accessed from the mobile device)
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Sunday School Rooms, Church Lane,
BUGBROOKE, Northampton, NN7 3PB
Land Line: 01604 830373
E-mail:
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to arrange an appointment please contact
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an appointment.
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