IDS INSPIRATIONS

Gospel: Matthew 13:31–35 Tuesday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time Begin with a Story There’s a famous story about Mother Teresa . One day, a journalist asked her, “You work so hard for the poor, but what you do is just a drop in the ocean. Does it really make any difference?” She smiled and replied, “Yes, it is a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” Her answer echoes what Jesus tells us today: Small things matter. Small things grow. Small things change the world. Gospel Reflection – Matthew 13:31–35 Jesus tells two short parables: The Mustard Seed – The smallest of seeds becomes a large tree that gives shelter and rest to birds. The Yeast – Just a small amount of yeast works through the whole dough , causing it to rise. These parables tell us about the Kingdom of God —how it grows quietly , gradually , and often invisibly , yet its impact is powerful and far-reaching. Key Lessons from These Parables 1. God Begins with th...

Gospel: Matthew 13:10–17 Thursday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time Begin with a Story Once, a tourist visited an art museum in Europe. In one of the rooms hung a painting of Christ crucified. While most people walked by, snapping photos or glancing quickly, an old janitor stood silently in front of it with tears in his eyes. The tourist asked him, “Why are you crying?” He replied, “Because I see something here others don't. He died for me.” The painting was the same. But the eyes of the heart made all the difference. Scripture Reflection – Matthew 13:10–17 In today’s Gospel, the disciples ask Jesus a bold question: “Why do You speak to them in parables?” Jesus answers that parables reveal truth to some and conceal it from others . To those open and hungry for God, a parable opens doors. But to the stubborn and self-satisfied, it becomes a closed mystery. Jesus quotes Isaiah: “They look but do not see. They hear but do not understand.” This is not about eyesight...

Gospel: Matthew 13:1–9 Ordinary Time – Parable of the Sower Begin with a Life Story There was a young man named Aarav who dreamed of becoming a great musician. He bought a beautiful guitar and joined a music school. But after a few weeks, he got bored of the scales and exercises. He stopped going. A year later, inspired again, he enrolled in another course, but this time, he gave up when the teacher corrected him strictly. The third time, he joined with enthusiasm, but distractions—his phone, outings, laziness—choked his time. Finally, on the fourth attempt, he found a mentor who not only taught him music but also inspired him to persevere. He practiced daily, stuck with the process, and slowly, the music began to grow in him. Years later, he became a respected musician—not just because of his talent, but because he had become good soil for the seed of learning. Just like music, the Word of God requires soil that welcomes, nurtures, and perseveres. [Scriptural Reflection – Matth...