We have come to the last day of classes for this year, the beginning of summer vacation. As always, the Word of God comes to speak to us today and every day of our lives whether a common day or important day like the beginning of summer vacation. God never leaves us and always loves us – even during summer vacation.
Jesus uses the example of the small mustard seed to help us understand our mission as part of the kingdom of heaven, as part of the local church. It is a small seed like a little bit of dust. It seems so insignificant when it is just a seed. No one would expect anything of such a small dry speck of dust. But given water, time, and energy, it becomes a very large and beautiful bush with bright yellow flowers that stand out in any landscape. Each one of us is like that little seed that is called to become a big sign of something beautiful.
As we all know, mustard is used to spike up the flavor of lots of food. Soon we will be celebrating Independence Day with hamburgers and hot dogs. Can you imagine a grilled hot dog without any mustard? What would a summer picnic on the 4th of July be like without mustard? Pretty boring. Pretty tasteless. We are called to grow into beautiful signs of the kingdom of heaven. The Christian community is that extra kick of spice and flavor that gives meaning and joy to life. In today’s first reading Paul challenges us to do share the message of Christ with all in everything we do. That attitude of sharing, thanksgiving, and being a sign of God’s love is important even for summer vacation.
When I was in grade school, every year at the beginning of the school year in September we had to write an essay about what we did over the summer vacation. Summer vacation is a time for new adventures, trips with the family, rest, play, swimming, games, and lots of warm sun. God’s love for us is right in the middle of all that fun. Don’t forget that summer is also a prime time to share, serve, help, and be a sign of God’s love for other people – be that beautiful jest, and spice for everyone else. In September at the beginning of the school year, I will ask the teachers if any of the students mentioned that in their essays.
Let the message of Christ, in all its richness, find a home with you.
Teach each other, and advise each other, in all wisdom.
With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms and hymns and inspired songs to God;
Image: https://www.theacorn.com/articles/big-truths-found-in-tiny-mustard-seed/.