Sunday Reflections

I know a thing or two about seeds—I’ve planted a lot of them over the last twenty years. Year after year I continue to be filled with wonder when the tiny green seedlings emerge. Though I plant and keep them moist, I don’t make them grow. The power of creation does that work. I just look on and rejoice.

Mustard seeds are indeed tiny, but that diminutive size packs a powerful punch. Those familiar with Indian foods know that mustard is hot and spicy. And the plants reproduce like crazy! Mustard seeds are in the brassica family and include many of our greens like collards, kale and cabbage. If you have ever let your kale or arugula go to seed, you’ll know that one plant can produce hundreds of seeds. Long thin capsules appear that eventually burst open and spread everywhere! Plant mustard once and you have it for a lifetime.

That brings us back to today’s readings. It is our job to plant the seeds of our faith. Catechists, pastors and teachers do this as part of their vocation, but whether we are aware of it or not we are all planting seeds. Our words and actions make a difference, either good or bad. Think back in your own memories and recall when a harsh word deflated you or an encouraging word influenced your life.

We can look at society or our own families and be discouraged that religious practice seems to be dwindling. Nevertheless, we are God’s slaves. It is our job to spread the mustard seeds. We can till the soil, plant the seeds, water and weed. Then stand back and watch the miracle of creation unfold! Does every seed sprout? No, but enough of them do that we will have a bountiful harvest.

We are called to spread the seeds in our families, our workplaces, our church and our community. Like mustard seeds, we never know when our words or actions may take root. That part is up to the Holy Spirit. “Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.”

Remember, too, to pray to the Holy Spirit and ask for help. The Holy Spirit will guide us in our role as seed planters. We are just God’s slaves in spreading the Good News. And although the word slave conjures up images of suffering and deprivation, the opposite is true. When I garden, you might say I am a slave to the plants. I spend hours hauling water and weeding, maybe staking and pruning. But when the sprouts emerge, or the flowers bloom or the leaves turn their awesome autumn colours, I rejoice! Gardening allows me to participate in God’s creative spirit.

With the help of the Holy Spirit, we all can participate in the work of creation, spreading the faith through the example of our lives. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love!