From today’s Scripture: “He proposed another parable to them. ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the “birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.”’” — Mt 13:31-32

A little over four years ago, my wife and I moved to Livingston, Tennessee, to launch a new Glenmary mission. At first, we knew no one and didn’t even have a settled place to live; yet, we carried within our minds and hearts the seed of establishing a Catholic presence in the county. We began by visiting families and praying the rosary with them. Later we started celebrating Mass once a month. Today we hold Mass every Sunday. Our community is growing little by little, and it brings us joy to see people feeling at home. We can say, then, that the seed we planted a few years ago is growing. We are encouraged and look forward to welcoming more people in the future, hoping they feel as at home as the birds that build their nests in the branches, as described in the biblical passage.

This experience shows us that even our smallest actions can impact the community. Let us not be afraid to put into action ideas that can help make the Kingdom of Heaven a reality in our homes, our workplaces, or wherever we may be. Let us plant that seed rather than keeping it to ourselves.

Let us pray: Lord, help me to do things, however small, with faith, so that through your divine grace they may have an impact on the people with whom I share my daily life.

Today’s author is Lorenzo Aju, missionary pastoral coordinator of the Catholic community of Overton County in Tennessee.

Free delivery!  Sign up to receive this in English or in Spanish daily by email.