16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wis 12:13,16-19
Rm 8:26-27
Mt 13:24-43
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…”
The Catholic Church proudly proclaims it has been existing for more than 2000 years, with over 1 billion members. From mustard seed beginnings, it has indeed sprouted to the biggest ‘religious tree’ in the world. Yet within Christianity today, it is being eclipsed by Protestants. Allow me to explain.
What is the one practical difference between Catholics and Protestants? Obligation to attend Sunday mass or else commit a grave sin. Sunday attendance looks great, but many walk out faster than the priest during the final hymn! Contrast this to Sunday worship for Protestants – it is not compulsory, service is way longer, there is an obligation to give at least 10% tithe and, attend weekly cell group meetings. In short, give a lot more donations and spend more time in church. Seems more onerous; yet they have full, vibrant and growing attendance! Why? I believe it is the mustard seed mentality.
All Christian churches have one main goal — to evangelize and keep growing the congregation. Every day is mustard seed day, not ‘maintenance day’. They focus on doing three things extremely well – vibrant music, relatable sermons and mission work. Let me cite two examples in City Harvest and New Creation. Within 30 years, these two have become mega Christian churches in Singapore. Each has an average of 20,000 plus active, and fully engaged, worshippers. Their weekly service is a sight to behold, with world class music and breathtaking preachers that move the congregation to tears. They know what it takes to grow and be relevant.
For City Harvest congregants, their demographics are amazing. More than 70% are middle to working class, within 18 to 30 years of age, and come from NON-Christian families. Many of them convert despite severe family objections, and many youths work in retail part-time jobs and give half their income to the Church. Leaving aside their doctrines and practices, the fact remains that they REALLY believe in Jesus. Why? Because they are willing to sacrifice so much. I write this reflection with sadness as I don’t have this faith and belief.
Fortunately, today’s second reading gives me solace and guidance. It states that the (Holy) Spirit helps us in our weakness. When we do not know what to pray for, the spirit will intercede for us. Writing this reflection is like the spirit guiding me to pray for my mustard seed Catholic faith to grow and increase my courage to talk about Jesus, especially among Catholics. Hopefully this will get more of them to participate in church ministries.
Holy Spirit be our guide today!
(Today’s OXYGEN by Andrew Sia)
Prayer: O Holy Spirit, come down and help us.
Thanksgiving: Thanks be to you for our faith. Help me bring this message to as many people as possible.
OXYGEN 
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