29 October 2024
Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Luke 13:18-21
One small step at a time

In today’s Gospel, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed and yeast—small, almost insignificant elements that eventually grow and transform everything around them. These images remind us that God’s Kingdom often begins in hidden, humble ways but has the power to bring about profound transformation.

Reflecting on the Kingdom of God, Fr. Richard Rohr teaches that spiritual growth and transformation start small within us, often beginning unnoticed through simple acts of kindness, moments of prayer, or even silent reflection. Father Rohr emphasises that our spiritual growth is a gradual process marked by patience and surrender to God’s will. He challenges us to trust that even our small actions, when guided by faith, contribute to the larger work of God’s reign on Earth.

Pope Francis, too, speaks about the importance of small, everyday acts of love and mercy. In Laudato Si’, he calls for ecological conversion, recognising that even the smallest steps towards caring for creation—like reducing waste or showing compassion to the poor—are essential in healing the world. We are tasked with addressing significant issues such as climate change, inequality, and social division; the mustard seed and yeast remind us that change often starts in small, personal ways and, therefore, we should never lose hope.

This Gospel invites us to believe in the power of the seemingly insignificant. The Kingdom of God grows when we plant seeds of justice, mercy, and love in our lives. As Pope Francis says, “We are not called to grand gestures, but to humble, everyday acts of love.” In a world that craves instant solutions, we are reminded to trust in the slow, steady work of God, transforming hearts and societies, one small step at a time.

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Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2024