Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“What is the Kingdom of God like?”

Gospel Reading: Luke 13:18-21

Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.” Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? 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.”

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus introduces us to the kingdom of God. Jesus tell us that the kingdom of God “is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden.” The mustard seed is one of tiniest seeds on earth and yet it grows into a magnificent tree that provides shelter and food for literally hundreds of birds. The kingdom of God is the same. It starts out as a small speck of love and kindness placed in the hearts and souls of mankind. If properly nourished, it grows and flourishes into this massive tree which becomes the Church. The Church provides shelter and nourishment through the spirit of the Lord. Jesus compared the kingdom of God to leaven bread. He said that the kingdom “is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.” The leaven created a transformation within the bread. The bread begins to expand and spread out. If we allow the kingdom of God inside us, it too will transform us and cause us to grow in Christ. Once we have been touched by the Holy Spirit, the kingdom of God will grow within us and expand outward through us to the rest of the world. The seeds of the kingdom of Heaven have been planted within your soul.  Nourish those seeds so that will grow and expand.  As the kingdom of Heaven grows, take comfort in its branches. 

A Simple Prayer

Heavenly Father, the Holy Spirit is within me,

Let this spirit overwhelm my soul,

May it increase my love and desire for the kingdom of God.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon