This past Sunday, Jesus proposed parable. We know Jesus used a lot of parables to teach. Scholars argue – that’s what they do – but they estimate a range of between 30 and 50 parables in the Gospels. This particular one is the parable of the Mustard seed in Matthew 13. He tells us that it is the smallest of all the seeds. Yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. So large, it becomes a bush that birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.
I love this parable. My friend Craig likes to ask, “Can a mustard seed move a mountain?” I think this parable shows that with God the answer is ‘yes.’ We see in it that God takes something small, seemingly inconsequential, and does something extraordinary. He does that with our gifts, too.
Think about it – as God owns everything, any gift we make is small by comparison. But, when we give what we can – willingly, lovingly, and eagerly (2Cor. 8:11-12), we can trust that God takes that, grows it, multiplies it, and does miraculous things, like feeding thousands with just a few loaves and fish.
Our gifts combine with the gifts of others of goodwill so that the resources and talents available to help and serve become huge. Together, our giving makes a meaningful impact. We become a part of the Gospel mission to feed, clothe, house, educate, and help the most vulnerable amongst us. And that builds the kingdom of God right here on earth. We literally change the world. Certainly, we help our community.
So, step out in faith and give. Venerable Fulton Sheen said, “When we die to something, something comes alive within us. When we give, we die to self, charity comes alive.”
Giving expresses our love and makes our charity come alive. Giving is our praise and thanksgiving for all the blessings and benefits God gives to us.
Photo Credit: Robert Davis
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