• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

The Passionists of Holy Cross Province

The Love that Compels

  • Migration
    • Statement from Passionist Leadership Regarding Current United States Immigration Policies
    • The Global Migration Crisis: What Can a Retreat Center Do?
  • Laudato Si’
    • Laudato Si’ 2023-24 Report and 2024-25 Plan
    • Ways to Live Laudato Siˊ
    • Sustainable Purchasing
      • Sustainable Purchasing Guide
      • Hints for Sustainable Meetings and Events
      • Sustainable Living Hints
    • Passion of the Earth, Wisdom of the Cross
    • Passionist Solidarity Network
    • Celebrating the Season of Creation
  • Pray
    • Daily Reflections
    • Prayer Request
    • Sunday Homily
    • Passionist Spirituality and Prayer
    • Video: Stations of the Cross
    • Prayer and Seasonal Cards
  • Grow
    • Proclaiming Our Passionist Story (POPS)
    • The Passionist Way
    • Retreat Centers
    • Passionist Magazine
    • Passionist Ministries
      • Preaching
      • Hispanic Ministry
      • Parish Life
      • Earth and Spirit Center
      • Education
      • Fr. Cedric Pisegna, CP, Live with Passion!
    • Passionist Solidarity Network
    • Journey into the Mystery of Christ Crucified
    • Celebrating the Feast of St. Paul of the Cross
    • Subscribe to E-News
    • Sacred Heart Monastery
      • History of Sacred Heart Monastery
      • A Day in the Life of Senior Passionists
      • “Pillars” of the Community
  • Join
    • Come and See Holy Week Discernment Retreat
    • Are You Being Called?
    • Province Leadership
    • Vocation Resources
    • Passionist Brothers
    • The Life of St. Paul of the Cross
    • Discerning Your Call
    • Pray With Us
    • Passionist Vocation Directors
    • World Day for Consecrated Life
    • Lay Partnerships
  • Connect
    • Find a Passionist
    • Passionist Websites
    • Fr. Cedric Pisegna, CP, Live with Passion!
    • Passionist Alumni Association
  • Support
    • Donate
    • Monthly Giving
      • St. Gemma Circle of Giving Intentions
    • Leave a Legacy
      • Giving Matters
      • Ways to Give
      • Donor Relations
      • Testimonials
    • Prayer and Seasonal Cards
    • Privacy Policy Statement
  • Learn
    • Our Passionist History: Webinar Series
    • Proclaiming Our Passionist Story (POPS)
    • Our Founder
    • History
    • The Letters of St. Paul of the Cross
    • The Diary of St. Paul of the Cross
    • Mission and Charism
    • Saints and Blesseds
    • FAQs
    • Find a Passionist
    • STUDIES IN PASSIONIST HISTORY AND SPIRITUALITY
  • Safe Environments

Daily Scripture, October 29, 2013

Scripture:

Romans 8:18-25
Psalm 126
Luke 13:18-21

Reflection:

In today’s passage from Luke Jesus answers the question "What is the Kingdom of God like?  To what can I compare it?"  Jesus then compares the Kingdom to a tiny mustard seed which grows into a large bush, sheltering the birds of the sky in its branches.  Let’s reflect on this comparison.

The Kingdom of God is Dynamic

The Kingdom of God, like the mustard seed, is constantly evolving and growing, it is not static.  It is not rigid and is very responsive to its environment, to the signs of the times.  We can’t make the mistake of trying to codify or envelop the Kingdom of God with our own definitions, terms and restrictions.  The Kingdom of God is full of surprises!

The Kingdom of God is Systemic

The Kingdom of God, like the mustard seed, is an inter-connected reality.  Any one part of the Kingdom is connected to and impacts every other part.  This is why one Kingdom-building action from me will result in a favorable impact on our growth as a whole Kingdom.  My smile, touch, word of encouragement will impact the entire Kingdom of God!  We suffer, triumph and pray together as one and nothing can separate us from each other and the love of God.

The Kingdom of God is Sensitive

The Kingdom of God, like the mustard seed, is easily impacted by our every thought, feeling and action.  Remember the physicists’ favorite reality; the flapping of a butterfly’s wings in one part of the world can lead to a hurricane in another part.  The Kingdom of God is sensitive to initial conditions.  Like "paying it forward", one small action such as a kind word, a simple gift of time or an earth-friendly gesture can provide a place for others, like the birds of the sky, to have shelter and peace.

Today as we reflect on the mustard seed and our role in building the Kingdom of God, we proclaim with Psalm 126, "The Lord has done marvels for us"!

 

Terry McDevitt, Ph.D. is a member of our Passionist Family who volunteers at the Passionist Assisted Living Community in Louisville, Kentucky.

Footer

Support the Passionists

Contact the Passionists

Name

The Passionists of Holy Cross Province
660 Busse Highway | Park Ridge, IL 60068
Tel: 847.518.8844 | Toll-free: 800.295.9048 | Fax: 847.518.0461
Safe Environments | Board Member Portal | Copyright © 2025 | Log in