Scripture:
2 Samuel 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17
Mark 4:26-34
Reflection:
I am not an expert on mustard seeds. I don’t think I have ever seen one of these tiny wonders Jesus talks about in today’s reading. However I do think I get the point Jesus is making today. The smallest action on our part can build the Kingdom of God. Twenty days at the Cleveland Clinic ICU with my critically ill wife has taught me a lot about mustard seeds and Kingdom building.
I was particularly down one night leaving the ICU. I was alone in an empty hallway. No chaplains, comfort doggies or social workers were there to console me. Then I noticed him walking toward me, a tall, well-dressed physician I had only seen once on the ICU. He saw me, grinned, stopped me and asked me how I was doing.
I started to tell him about the day, probably with tears in my eyes. I related the story of my wife’s complications. He stopped me in mid-sentence and said, “She is being well taken care of, let’s talk about you.” He went on to counsel, console and encourage me. I was deeply touched by this simple act of kindness, as small as the tiny mustard seed, yet building the Kingdom of God.
So maybe I am not an expert on mustard seeds, but I am very convinced one small act of kindness can build the mighty Kingdom of God.
Terry McDevitt, Ph.D. is a member of our Passionist Family who volunteers at the Passionist Assisted Living Community in Louisville, Kentucky.