the smallest of all the seeds on the earth

“To what shall we compare the Kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” (MK 4: 30-32)

We can compare this “mustard seed” to our daily rituals. At the beginning they are just small rituals: a hug during the day, a 60 second kiss to say hello when we were away for several hours, coffee or tea together—just to stay for a moment united, and many small others. But when our rituals became our habit, “it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches”: weekly, monthly and yearly rituals, “so that the birds of the sky (like kids or friends) can dwell in its shade.”

“Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.” (Gospel Acclamation)