Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Monday of the 17th week in ordinary time, July 28, 2025

Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Exodus 32: 15-24.30-34; Rs psalm 106: 19-20.21-22.23; Matthew 13: 31-35.MUSTARD SEEDS AND YEAST The title for our meditation today is:Mustard Seeds and Yeast. These two kinds of objects are special for those whoneed them. Mustard seeds wrapped in plastic like any other grains. If a buyercould buy it and remove the plastic then see the real situation of the seeds,its secret begins to unfold. Likewise the yeast that is wrapped in its cover.If a mother happens to glance and buy it, the yeast is ready to be used formaking bread. If these two things do not show up to the buyer but simply storedor hidden deep from many things displayed, they will not produce anything andtheir stories go unnoticed. These two objects are immovable,tightly wrapped, small in size, and hidden from all other objects around them.If you are someone who has been in the shop but doesn't want to buy anything,what you generally see is big and attractive items. You never take theslightest time to think and see small objects such as mustard seeds or yeast.Only people who have a particular purpose for small objects will try to findand buy it. Then they will be used according to the person's intention.  Jesus made the Kingdom of God the coreof His teaching to people who increasingly grew following and hearing Him. Theyhad never received such teaching since the days of Abraham and the prophets.What they never imagined was the kingdom of God, even though Jesus is thepersonification of the Kingdom itself who was actually talking with them. If anew teaching is directed to innocent people, it must start from its smallestand simplest aspect. Whereas for those who are full of knowledge and beliefs,the God's kingdom must be taught in a very delicately and patiently manner. Jesus uses ordinary and simple objectsin his parabolic teachins with the purpose of describing the important meaningof the Kingdom. If you read and listen to the word of God every day, pleasejust be aware of symbols of mustard seeds and yeast. They are simply to explainthat the word you receive is hidden within you, but has the potential powerthat renews you day after day. If you receive Holy Communion regularly, orregularly make confession, the profile of mustard seeds and yeast give youenough strength for growth in faith. Their influence is real and the fruits ofthis growth will be harvested at the proper time. God puts the secrets of Hiskingdom in us in various events and forms. Even though they are hidden withinus, they are growing and nurtured by God without our notice. In difficulttimes, trials, struggles, and sacrifices, they will appear to help us speak,act and behave.Let's pray. In the name of theFather ... O Lord Jesus, may we become worthy place for the growth of theKingdom of God. Our Father who art in heaven ... In the name of the Father...