Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-46 (GNT)
The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Jesus told them another parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man takes a mustard seed and sows it in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it grows up, it is the biggest of all plants. It becomes a tree, so that birds come and make their nests in its branches.”
The Parable of the Yeast
Jesus told them still another parable: “The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A woman takes some yeast and mixes it with a bushel of flour until the whole batch of dough rises.”
The Parable of the Hidden Treasure
“The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man happens to find a treasure hidden in a field. He covers it up again, and is so happy that he goes and sells everything he has, and then goes back and buys that field.
The Parable of the Pearl
“Also, the Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man is looking for fine pearls, and when he finds one that is unusually fine, he goes and sells everything he has, and buys that pearl.
Daily tasks and normal activities hold wonderful treasures we overlook. Too often we are focused on fatigue, responsibility, repetition, goals, plans and outcomes. We easily criticise what is not present or not meeting our expectations, rather than celebrate what is before us. It is too easy to miss the small miracles and great treasures. Our faith is so rich in valuing life that is here, today, now, before us. Our God cherishes the infinite and the infinitesimal. Heaven is present, and we are part of it. God’s realm is revealed to us if we see, notice, look deeper and keep alert. What are we valuing, and what do we miss? Is it the Master chef meal and fine dinnerware on which a meal is served, or the hospitality and meal itself that is significant? What is the pearl in our life with God? What small seed of joy helps reveal to you the great love of God? The beginning of faith and relationship with God, like yeast, permeates our days and grows richly so that we receive the Bread of Life.
Prayer – Gratitude For An Unusually Fine Treasure & Blessing
Giver of life,
We pray for the wellbeing of the web of life.
Pearls of great price appear before us,
revealing small miracles and great treasures
of such unique beauty and astonishing complexity.
The multifaceted busy life of fauna, companionable and collaborative.
The indefatigable life of flora that grows in both hostile and welcoming spaces.
The deliciousness of the nutritious food and fodder,
the usefulness of the treasures we find in the earth,
minerals, clay, sands, and stones.
These in turn, bring physical and mental wellbeing to other lives.
We are nourished and supported through the great web of creation.
We thank you for these wondrous gifts of life itself.
We pray that we continue to grow in appreciation of these gifts,
And support and sustain your creation, an unusually fine treasure.
Blessing
People of God,
Go forth with eyes open.
See the unusually fine treasures and the smallest gifts.
In your daily activities,
keep God’s blessings foremost in your heart and mind.
So that our faith grows
from seeded faith to flourishing life,
nourishing our soul and being a witness to others.
Go out with the Sower of New Life!
Feast on the Bread of Life!
Be comforted by the Spirit of Life!
Be aware of all that is before you.
Go in peace to explore all that life can be with God!
This reflection & prayers may be shared as long as the original writer is credited.