Little Seeds
Matthew 13:31-32 - Another parable He put forth to them, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.'
The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says it takes about 750 mustard seeds to make up a gram (0.035 ounces). Jesus chose one of the smallest seeds to illustrate how spiritual things work. Something tiny, seemingly insignificant holds the power to develop into something alive. What’s more, it has the possibility of growing into something big that offers refuge for others.
Matthew also says, “Faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains.” It only takes a little belief, a little attention, a little nurturing, a little trust for God to meet us there. Sometimes mountains move. Sometimes the mountain is us, and our heart and mindset move. Nonetheless, God brings something forth from small starts. It’s worth remembering when we face situations where there isn’t enough- and specifically when we are not enough - God is never limited by our limitations.
In Black Liturgies, Cole Arthur Riley offers this mediation.
INHALE: You are not a God of scarcity.
EXHALE: Let us walk in Abundance.
INHALE: There’s enough for us.
EXHALE: We claim it.
by Mitzi Myers