During Jesus' time, mustard plants were commonly found, growing up to about 30 feet tall. Mustard seeds are known to sprout easily when planted in the soil. Scientific studies confirm that mustard seeds are among the smallest, yet they grow into large trees that provide shelter for birds. Similarly, Jesus described the Kingdom of God as starting small but growing into something vast and significant. This beautiful analogy is found in Matthew 13:18-19, Mark 4:30-32, and Luke 13:18-19.

Using the mustard seed as a metaphor, Jesus told His disciples: "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you."(Matthew 17:20, Luke 17:6) Here, Jesus emphasized that even a small amount of faith can accomplish great things.

The Kingdom of God may have a small beginning, like a mustard seed, but its greatness is revealed through its growth. While a person can count the number of seeds in a fruit, no one can count the number of fruits that will come from a single seed. Likewise, God has placed good qualities in every individual, and it is our responsibility to sow those virtues in our surroundings. When we use these good qualities, they will grow and benefit many. However, if we do not use them, they will not bear fruit. Therefore, we must make a firm commitment to sow our talents, gifts, and the grace of the Holy Spirit into society.

Similarly, when speaking about His life, death, and salvation, Jesus said in the Gospel of St. John: "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain."(John 12:24) This year, let us also sow good seeds with faith so that they will bear abundant fruit and benefit many.

People can distinguish between a good tree that bears good fruit and a bad tree that bears bad fruit. The Bible speaks of many contrasts: good trees and bad trees; good influence and bad influence; light and darkness. Jesus, when referring to yeast, used it as a metaphor for the Kingdom of God in one instance. In another, He warned: "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod." (Mark 8:15) There are both good and bad seeds, good and bad influences. It is up to us to discern and choose wisely.

Let us sow good seeds with faith, so that they may grow and bear abundant fruit.