July 28, 2025: “The Power of Small Things”

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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:

  1. The Mustard Seed
    – The smallest of seeds becomes a large tree that gives shelter and rest to birds.

  2. 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 the Smallest Things

Jesus didn’t start His Kingdom with an army, palace, or wealth. He started with twelve ordinary men, in a poor region, with no political power.

The Church began like a mustard seed—hidden and fragile. But today, it has spread across the world.

God loves to work through what the world considers small or insignificant.

Never underestimate a kind word, a short prayer, or a small act of love. That may be the mustard seed God uses to bring someone to Him.

2. Real Change Happens Silently and Slowly

Like yeast in dough, the Kingdom works from the inside out. You don’t see it happening, but the result is transformation.

We often look for dramatic miracles, but God’s grace usually works quietly—changing hearts, healing wounds, building character.

The mother who prays for her child each day, the man who resists temptation in silence, the youth who chooses kindness over cruelty—these are leaven in the world.

3. You Are Part of the Growth of the Kingdom

Jesus is reminding us: you don’t need to be big, famous, or powerful to matter. What He needs is a heart willing to grow, and a life willing to influence others.

Are you planting seeds of faith in your children, your friends, or your workplace? Are you being yeast in your home, school, or parish?

Practical Applications

  • Be patient with your spiritual growth. Seeds don’t become trees overnight.

  • Persevere in small duties—God sees them, even if no one else does.

  • Encourage others, especially those who feel small or unimportant. Tell them: “You matter. God is using you.”

  • Pray daily—even for five minutes. Like yeast, it changes the whole day.

Conclusion

Dear friends, the world celebrates big, loud, and fast things. But Jesus teaches us that the Kingdom begins in the small, the silent, and the slow.

Let us become good mustard seeds—tiny but full of life. Let us be yeast—hidden, but transforming everything around us.

Because in God’s hands, little things become great.

“The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed… it becomes a tree.”
“The Kingdom of heaven is like yeast… it leavens the whole dough.”

Let Him start that work in you and me, today.

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