Our fathers made a calf in Horeb and adored a molten image; They exchanged their glory for the image of a grass-eating bullock. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 13:31-35, today's readings).

Jesus proposed a parable to the crowds. “The Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.”

Jesus speaks to the crowd in parables about the kingdom of heaven to fulfill what has been said through the prophets. Jesus says, quoting Psalm 78, "I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world." What is hidden in plain sight, Jesus reveals to the people through parables that point to the mystery of God's kingdom: the smallest of seeds grows into a large dwelling for birds; a small measure of yeast leavens an entire basket of wheat flour. In the parables, Jesus relates real-world glimpses to reveal the spiritual reality of the kingdom of heaven. Here, we can rest in its branches and grow with Christ to one day see its fulfillment.

God, help me trust that the smallest of seeds that grows to its utmost under your care is to abandon my will to yours. The kingdom of heaven, already here and yet to be, is your gift to receive, where what you have revealed from the beginning of time is brought into sight through childlike faith. Matthew says that Jesus spoke to the disciples only in parables. Give me the grace to understand that the mystery of the kingdom is contained in the real presence of the Eucharist as I take it in and let it grow and become more a manifestation of Christ every time I receive it.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.