For centuries, Christians have talked and heard about the parable of the mustard seed. However, the point of the parable in Mark's Gospel is not only the smallness of the mustard seed, but also the largeness of the mustard shrub "with branches big enough for the birds of the sky to build nests in its shade" (Mk 4:32). Thus we can rightly speak of the parable of the mustard shrub.
The Lord wants us to think big. This doesn't necessarily mean that we should "begin big" or be frustrated if our work doesn't "look big." However, we should "end big," that is, we should bear fruit abundantly (Jn 15:5) and make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19).
We think big and want to share the Gospel with large numbers of people because these large numbers are not just large numbers; they are people. Because we love God, we love people – all people and each person. Because we love all people and each person, we want all to be saved (1 Tm 2:4) and not one lost (Mt 18:14). In love, we want as many people as possible (1 Cor 9:19) to come to Jesus. We think big because Jesus is Love and we love Him and each and every person He loves. In love, think big.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I lead many thousands into your kingdom. May I lead at least one person to You today. |
| PROMISE: | "Have mercy on me, O God, in Your goodness; in the greatness of Your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me." –Ps 51:3-4 |
| PRAISE: | St. Angela's plain-clothed Ursulines promoted Catholic home-schooling almost 500 years ago. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College