Small Beginnings

October 25, Tuesday, 30th Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Ephesians 5:21-33; Gospel Luke 13:18-21

Once, a physicist wanted to prove to the students the effect a small object could have on a big block of iron. So he experimented. He took a big block of iron and hung it from the ceiling. Then he took tiny paper balls and started throwing them at the metal. At first, nothing happened. After some time, the iron began to vibrate a little, then it began to sway, and finally, it began to move freely. The effect of the tiny paper ball initially appeared to be nothing, but later it could move the big piece of iron.

St. Luke tells the story of the mustard seed in chapter 13, showing the difference between a small start and a big finish. The mustard seed is so small at the time of sowing. But later on, it grows into a big tree. That is why Jesus is comparing the mustard seed to the kingdom of God.

The kingdom of God is sown in this world through small acts of kindness. But later, they led to great results. Acts of love and kindness done in small measures will be measured to be valuable contributions to the building of God’s kingdom.

Jesus addresses this parable to a Jewish sect called the zealots, who want to restore Israel through bloodshed and violence. They wanted a messiah to restore the Jewish nation. But Jesus gives more importance not to establish a kingdom based on earthly values but on the love of God.

Today, the Lord tells us to keep doing good things and to spread goodness instead of hate, because goodness spreads like a mustard seed.

Mother Theresa said, "We are not called to do great things, but small things with great love."