By Naresh Namindla csc –
Readings: Rom 8: 18-25; Lk 13: 18-21
In the gospel reading of today, Jesus compares the kingdom of God to a mustard seed. Though the mustard grain is a tiny seed, it becomes a big tree so that the birds of the air can shelter on it. The mustard grain is a tiny one and has a process of growth. The man who planted it will be hopeful that one day it grows to become a tree. As the man is hopeful of the growth of the mustard seed, St. Paul urges us to be hopeful of the glory that is to be revealed out of hard work or suffering of the present time.
Our life is a formation and has different stages and conditions. Those different stages and conditions of our life make us successful. Those different stages and conditions in life look hard and difficult, yet if we focus on our goal, it can be achieved through the struggles of the present time.
As a student, one may think study, homework, assignments, and corrections of the parents and teachers are too hard; but those are the things that can drive a student to get good results in class. A sportsperson may think that s/he has to spend extra time in practicing and exercising. At that time, those things may look hard but they help him become a better sportsperson.
Likewise, religious may face rejection, misunderstanding and even persecution, but today’s liturgy invites each one of us not to consider hard work or suffering as burden because the fruit of it brings more joy and satisfaction. Thus, we can grow like a mustard tree to invite others to experience the kingdom of God through us.