Spiritual Corner -- The Kingdom of Heaven is Like an Inconspicuous Mustard Seed

In the Old Testament era, the Israelites always used the analogy of the cedar tree to describe power and kingship because the prophets (like Isaiah, David etc.) had many times used the cedar tree to describe the grandeur of a kingdom. The timber of the cedar had always been prized for its quality to grow tall and sturdy. The cedar had been much used in the construction of palaces.

God, through the prophecy of Ezekiel, says that he would take a branch from the cedar, crop off a tender twig and plant it upon a high mountain. This cedar will grow into a goodly cedar and under it shall dwell all fowl of every wing. This means that God would raise the Messiah from Israel, who will build a new kingdom of Israel.

When Jesus explained the mystery of heaven to his disciples, they expected him to compare the kingdom of Heaven to the cedar tree. But Jesus did not use the cedar, instead he used an inconspicuous mustard seed, which is a small needle like seed. When fully grown it will only grow into a tree of eight to nine feet. It cannot be compared to a cedar. Jesus
used this parable to change the disciples’ misconception about heaven. Heaven does not come in grandeur and power but it begins humbly with Jesus and twelve ordinary people,
and with their every little but important deed.

Witnessing the Gospels in our daily life is working in cooperation with God, to bring Heaven onto earth. A mustard seed is small, but vibrant with life.

Yours,
Fr. Matthew