Reflection
Today, St. Paul reminds us of the sacred meaning of love, marriage and family life. He says, Be subordinate to one another out of reverence of Christ. This verse gives us the key understanding to the entire passage. He compares the love between husband and wife to the love between Christ and His Church. Jesus did not love the Church only through words; He showed His love by sacrificing Himself on the cross. His love was faithful, patient, forgiving and unconditional.
Marriage and family love can be inspired by the presence of Jesus. Each faithful, fruitful partnership is like mirror, reflecting Jesus’ love for the Church. Ideally, married partners should love as Christ loves the Church. He gave himself up for her so that she could flourish. God’s love, when planted in our hearts, can transform our relationships and our families.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus says that the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed. Though it is very small, it grows into a large tree. He also compares the kingdom of God to yeast that a woman mixes into flour until the whole batch of dough rises. Each of them compares something very small to what it can become. The kingdom of heaven is like that, where very small things can grow to become significant. Even small acts of service can create an opening for the grace of God.
Jesus teaches us that great things often begin with small things. It is everyday kindness, small initiatives, things may go unnoticed, that can contribute to building up the kingdom of God. God’s love must work within our hearts. When we allow God to change us from within, our love may grow like the mustard seed and transform our life like yeast in the dough. Paul today teaches us how to love and Jesus teaches us how that love grows slowly, quietly and faithfully.
Lord, thank you for your faithful love!
Pour out a spirit of selfless love on us all!
