27 July, Monday — In His Time

Monday of Week 17 in Ordinary Time

Jer 13:1-11
Mt 13:31-35

“When it has grown it is the biggest shrub of all”

Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerburg, Jack Ma. These are some of the best-known names in the world today, synonymous with brands that are a part of almost everyone’s life – Apple, Facebook and Alibaba. Their respective journeys from humble beginnings to mega-rich statuses are well documented. They started off with small ventures based on a great idea, and somehow these took off and became global phenomena. But if I were to ask you whether these brands will still be as successful as they are a few decades down the road, you might say that we cannot tell. Their success is subject to market demand after all, and the economy can be fickle and unpredictable.

Today’s gospel has Jesus telling two short parables to the crowds. Both are about a similar theme on the growth of the kingdom of God. It starts off small and humble, like a mustard seed, but then grows to become a great bush, so great that it attracts even the birds of the air to dwell in its branches. The kingdom of God is also dynamic and potent, in the way that a small quantity of yeast can work on flour to produce a huge amount of bread. This kingdom will persist and flourish till the end of time.

What does that mean for those of us who are part of God’s kingdom here on earth? Every now and then, the Church faces a grave threat of some foreboding evil, but amidst the storms and upheavals, we have prevailed for more than two millennia. While we should not spare any effort in evangelising the faith and standing firm against attacks, the real ‘force’ at work is the grace of God, drawing people to Himself and planting the seeds of faith in their hearts. Even if the situation looks bad, such as during times when church attendance is poor and interest in God seems to be waning, there is no reason to panic or despair. Just like how we let a seed take its own time to grow, we also let God work His wonders in His time.

(Today’s Oxygen by Edith Koh)

Prayer: We pray for the patience and courage to trust that our Lord will come to our aid in ways that are best for us.

Thanksgiving: We thank the Lord for His undying love and protection of the church and His flock.