26Jesus also said, "The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, 27and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. 28The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. 29But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come." 30He also said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? 31It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; 32yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." 33With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; 34he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.26Jesus also said, "The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, 27and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. 28The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. 29But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come." 30He also said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? 31It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; 32yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." 33With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; 34he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples.

Gospel Refection Questions: 

• How do you experience God’s “kingdom” in your daily life?How do you experience God’s “kingdom” in your daily life?
• Who have been the “seed scatter-ers” in/for your life, those who have help plant “seeds” for your spiritual growth? Say a prayer for each of them.Who have been the “seed scatter-ers” in/for your life, those who have help plant “seeds” for your spiritual growth? Say a prayer for each of them.
• In what ways does this parable relate to you?In what ways does this parable relate to you?

Prayer: 

Dear God, help us, when we feel our faith is as small as a tiny mustard seed, to know you still love us and care for us.  Help us to grow in faith and love in and through all of the experiences in our lives.  In Jesus’ name we thank you and pray.    Amen.Dear God, help us, when we feel our faith is as small as a tiny mustard seed, to know you still love us and care for us.  Help us to grow in faith and love in and through all of the experiences in our lives.  In Jesus’ name we thank you and pray.    Amen.