God is nearer to us than we imagine. Today, we continue in Matthew 13, known as the Kingdom Parables. What is the kingdom of God? It is not an earthly or political establishment, as is clear from our Lord’s conversation with Pilate, when Jesus told him, “My kingdom does not belong to this world” (John 18.36). The Kingdom of God is wherever God is; it is established in heaven and not on earth. We pray often, “Thy kingdom come; thy will be done.” If the Kingdom is where God is, and if we are God’s People, then the Kingdom is revealed through us. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The Kingdom is Jesus.

Jesus teaches that his kingdom is like the mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds. When it is fully grown, it becomes a large bush for the birds to dwell in. This idea of a mustard seed reminds us that the kingdom is hidden and small. In the hidden and small ways we live out our relationship as Christians, we find the holy presence of God. To be radically Christian is to serve others; it is a daily dying to our pride and our selfish wants. When we serve others, our hidden Lord is revealed.

Here are three points for us to consider today:

1. Start Small and Look to the Heavens. All you have to do today is begin. Look to God and know that He is the God of love, forgiveness, and new beginnings. Look up! When you look out at the stars tonight, give praise for the immensity of who God is and stand in wonder that God can make himself present in your life today.
2. Plant Your Mustard Seed. While we are given the seed of faith, it will never grow if the seed remains in our pocket. We have to plant the seed. Find a small community of faith-filled friends, or rekindle your curiosity within your own parish boundaries and get involved. Plant the seed of faith and let the community of faith nurture it so it grows with strong roots.
3. Focus on Growth. Often, we want the perfect start when we begin something new. Do not get caught up in the perfect start; simply begin and walk with God. Growing in faith is a process; it is not an event. Be patient and open to the Holy Spirit.

No matter what you do today, consider the mustard seed. Nurture it with an openness to the fact that God can do immense work in your life … one day at a time. Let that small beginning grow, and trust God to reveal his kingdom through you.