Today's Thoughts...

Today’s Thoughts: Greetings everyone! Yes, I have risen or at least I am back, and I day earlier than I intended. It is nice to be back, and I had a very profound retreat experience and hopefully I will share some of it with you over the next weeks, months and years. I had hoped to share this reflection this morning, but the retreat house lost internet service during a storm about ten days ago and it has not been restored yet, so I had to wait until this afternoon…sorry!
 
In today’s gospel from Matthew (13:31-35), Jesus invites those listening to consider the Kingdom of Heaven by using two examples. The first example is that of the parable of the mustard seed which from my perspective brings to mind the unexpected awesome experience of God’s Kingdom starting out as something tiny, something almost invisible and then becoming something all inclusive, all-embracing, a universal entity that welcomes all people. 
 
The second example is also a parable, about a woman who took leaven and mixed it into the dough. This was a familiar experience that the people of Jesus’ time could connect with.  They had seen the dough rise after a tiny amount of leaven that had been mixed with it.  Jesus invited them to see the effect a tiny movement, a tiny experience could have on society at large.
 
Perhaps what our Gospel is calling us to today is what Pope Francis has called us to in his encyclical, Laudato Si. We have been called to be a mustard seed or that little pinch of yeast. In other words, we have been called to give life to the presence of God in our own lives, and to be sensitive to the needs of those around us. We have been called to focus on our common home, common good, and common responsibility as we strive in little, practical ways to bring a tiny piece of Gpd’s Kingdom wherever we go.  This is a marvelous opportunity to open our minds and hearts to experience the saving love of Jesus here and now and give us a taste of the eternal life that awaits each one of us.
 
Just a reminder that our first reading today from the Book of Exodus reminds us of what will happen if we fail to respond to God’s grace and presence in our life. “[The one] only who has sinned against me will I strike out of my book…When it is time for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin.” (Exodus 32:33-34)
 
Choose wisely!
 
I hope you are having a blessed and holy Monday everyone! Again, it is nice to be back…