The Parable of the Mustard Seed

Reflection Date: October 27, 2026 | Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Ephesians 5:21-33; Luke 13:18-21

Children of God:
In the late eighteenth century, Yi Sŭnghun, a Korean layman, traveled to Beijing, where he learned about Catholicism and received baptism in 1784 before returning to Korea to share his newfound faith. 

His story reminds us that the Catholic Church in Korea grew through the initiative and commitment of laypeople, even before the country had its own resident priest. 

Centuries earlier, during Japan’s invasion of Korea in 1592, the Japanese Christian warlord Konishi Yukinaga brought a young Korean girl to Japan, where she was later baptized and given the Christian name Julia. 

Known in historical accounts as Julia Ota, she grew up within the Christian community and became a devoted Christian in Japan, where she served in the household of the powerful warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi before facing persecution because of her faith. 

Her life reflected the complicated history of war, displacement, faith, and religious persecution in East Asia, reminding us that God’s work can quietly take root even in circumstances marked by suffering and uncertainty. 

In the gospel story of Luke, Jesus used the humble image of a mustard seed growing into a tree and a small amount of yeast spreading through dough to explain how the Kingdom of God grew through seemingly insignificant beginnings.

What are our inspirations for today?

First, never underestimate the power of one small action to make a difference.

In the gospel story of Luke, Jesus compared the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed that a man planted in his garden. Although the seed was small, it grew into a tree where birds found shelter. 

Jesus also compared the Kingdom of God to yeast that a woman mixed into a large amount of flour until the whole batch of dough rose (Luke 13:18-21). 

Through these ordinary images, Jesus showed how something small could influence something much greater.

We sometimes believe that our contributions are too small to matter. We may think that one encouraging word cannot comfort a person who feels discouraged, one donation cannot help a struggling family, or one effort cannot improve our community. Because we do not immediately see the results, we may become impatient and stop trying. 

However, small acts of goodness can create opportunities, restore confidence, and encourage other people to do the same.

Think about the little things we can do today. We can listen attentively to someone who feels ignored, send a message to a friend who is struggling, share our knowledge with a colleague, or help a child discover a talent. 

These actions may appear ordinary, but they can leave a lasting impression on another person’s life. We do not need to wait for a grand opportunity to do something good; we can begin with what we have and do what we can.

Never underestimate the power of one small action to make a difference.

Second, lasting change requires patience and faith in the growth we cannot yet see.

A seed does not become a tree overnight, and dough does not rise immediately after yeast is added. Jesus chose these familiar images to help His listeners understand the gradual growth of God’s Kingdom. 

Growth takes time, and much of the work happens quietly before its results become visible. The lesson invites us to remain faithful even when our efforts seem small and progress appears slow.

In our personal lives, we also experience seasons when our efforts seem to produce little progress. Parents may wonder whether their sacrifices are making a difference in their children’s lives. Teachers may question whether their lessons are reaching their students, and people who serve the Church may feel discouraged when their work receives little recognition. 

Yet growth often takes place gradually, through repeated acts of patience, dedication, and love. We can continue doing what is right without demanding immediate results.

This lesson also applies to our faith and relationships. Rebuilding trust takes time, learning a new skill requires practice, and changing a harmful habit demands consistent effort. We may not notice the difference our kindness makes, but we can remain faithful to the good we are called to do. 

Our responsibility is to nurture the seeds of goodness entrusted to us, trusting that even quiet efforts can contribute to something greater.

Lasting change requires patience and faith in the growth we cannot yet see.

As we reflect, we ask ourselves: What small act of kindness can I offer today that might make another person’s life better? 

In which area of my life do I feel discouraged because I cannot yet see the results of my efforts? How can I practice greater patience and faith while nurturing the good that God invites me to do?

Children of God: 
Every meaningful contribution begins with a willingness to take a small step. 

We do not need extraordinary talents, impressive positions, or abundant resources to bring hope to others. 

We can make a difference through the kindness we offer, the responsibilities we fulfill, and the faithfulness we show each day. 

Let us give ourselves permission to grow gradually and allow goodness to spread through our words and actions. 

May our small beginnings become seeds of hope that help build a more compassionate world.