Small acts of love

 

Sermon by Father Francis Maple - LINK HERE

SMALL ACTS OF LOVE BUILD UP THE KINGDOM OF GOD

Jeremiah 13:1–11; Matthew 13:31–35

 

Today's readings invite us to reflect on two powerful images: a linen loincloth in the first reading and a mustard seed and yeast in the Gospel.  At first glance, they seem unrelated, but together they reveal God's desire for a close relationship with us and the transformative power of His Kingdom.

 

In the first reading, God instructs Jeremiah to buy a linen loincloth and wear it close to his body.  Later, God tells him to hide it in a rocky crevice near the Euphrates.  After some time, Jeremiah retrieves it, only to find that it has become ruined and useless.

 

God explains the meaning of this symbolic act.  Just as the loincloth was meant to cling closely to Jeremiah, so God had chosen Israel to cling closely to Him - to be His people, bringing Him praise, honour, and glory.  But they refused to listen.  They followed their own desires, worshipped false gods, and drifted away from the Lord.  As a result, they became spiritually "ruined," not because God abandoned them, but because they abandoned the One who gave them life and purpose.

 

This reading speaks just as clearly to us today.  We, too, are created to remain close to God.  Prayer, the sacraments, Scripture, and acts of charity keep us united with Him.  When we distance ourselves from God through sin, indifference, or excessive attachment to worldly things, we lose the joy and fruitfulness that come from living in His presence.

 

The Gospel presents a different picture.  Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a tiny mustard seed that grows into a large tree, and to a small amount of yeast that leavens a large batch of dough.

The message is one of hope.  God's Kingdom often begins in ways that seem insignificant.  A simple prayer, a kind word, a hidden act of generosity, a quiet moment of forgiveness - these may appear small, but in God's hands they become seeds of transformation.  Like yeast hidden in flour, God's grace works silently from within, changing hearts before changing the world.

 

There is an important connection between the two readings. Jeremiah warns us not to become disconnected from God, while Jesus assures us that when we remain united with Him, even the smallest acts of faith can bear extraordinary fruit.

 

Many people become discouraged because they do not see immediate results from their efforts to live the Gospel.  Parents pray for children who have drifted from the faith.  Teachers wonder whether they are making a difference.  Parish volunteers may feel unnoticed.  Yet Jesus reminds us that God delights in working through what is small and hidden.  We are called not to measure success by visible results but by faithful perseverance.

 

Today, let us ask ourselves:

• Am I staying close to the Lord, or have I slowly drifted away?
• What small seed of faith is God asking me to plant today?
• How can I allow God's grace to work within me like yeast, transforming my heart from the inside out?

 

May we remain close to Christ each day, trusting that He can take our small acts of love and make them instruments of His Kingdom.  Amen.