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.

Love one another as I have loved you

 

Article by Father Francis Maple - LINK HERE

 LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU

In today’s Gospel from Gospel of John, we find ourselves at a very tender and solemn moment.  It is the Last Supper.  Judas has just gone out into the night to betray Jesus. And what does Jesus do?  He speaks… not of fear, not of anger, not even of betrayal.  He speaks of love.  “I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also must love one another.”

Now we might say, “But Lord, love is not new.  The Old Testament already told us to love our neighbour.” Yes, that is true.  But what is new is this: “As I have loved you.”  That is the difference. That is the challenge.

 What kind of love is this?  Jesus is not speaking about a comfortable love, or a polite kindness.  He is speaking about a love that: washes feet, forgives enemies, bears suffering and gives even life itself.  Within hours, He will go to the Cross.

So when He says, “Love as I have loved.”  He means: love when it costs you something, love when you are not appreciated and love when it hurts.  This is not easy love.  This is Christ-like love.

A woman once cared for her elderly husband who no longer recognised her.  Day after day, she fed him, washed him, and sat beside him.  Someone asked her, “Why do you keep doing this when he doesn’t even know who you are?”  She replied quietly, “Because I know who he is.”  That is love “as Christ loves.”

It is not based on what we receive.  It is based on who we are called to be.

Jesus says something very striking: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Notice—He does not say: “They will know you by your knowledge,” or “by your success,” or even “by your prayers.”  No.  They will know you by your love.  This is the mark of a Christian.  Not the cross we wear… but the love we live. 

Let us be honest.  It is easy to love those who are kind to us.  But what about: the difficult neighbour?  The family member who has hurt us?  The person who misunderstands us?  This is where the Gospel becomes real.  This is where holiness begins.

Perhaps today, the Lord is asking each of us: is there someone I need to forgive?  Is there someone I have neglected?  Is there someone I find hard to love?  That is where this Gospel must be lived.

The beautiful thing is this: Jesus never asks us to do something without giving us the grace to do it.  We are not loving alone.  We are loving with His love in us.

As St. Augustine once said: “Love, and do what you will.”  Because when we truly love as Christ loves, everything else falls into place.

The world today is hungry, not just for words, not just for ideas, but for real love.  Let us be that love.  In our homes.  In our parish and in our daily encounters.  So that others, seeing us, may say: “They belong to Christ.”

Lord Jesus, You have loved us with a perfect and self-giving love.
Teach us to love one another as You have loved us.  Give us patience in trials, forgiveness in hurt, and generosity in service. May our lives reflect Your love, so that the world may come to know You.  Amen.