The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Romans 8:18-25
Psalm 126:1-6
Luke 13:18-21

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

I have never seen a mustard seed. Here where I live, over a mile high in the Rocky Mountains, we do not grow much mustard. But, we grow some mighty tall pine trees in our mountains and I know they come from pine seeds which are incredibly small. So, while I don't know a thing about mustard, I know quite a bit about pines.

Pines start from very tiny seeds. What is interesting is that it takes fire to make them grow. While many may think forest fires are so damaging -and they are - they are essential for these large tree's cones to pop open and spread their seeds. These tiny seeds take root on the sparse, rocky soil and spend most of their early years covered with snow. As they grow and mature they face terrible winds, cold, disease and attacks from insects and animals. But grow they do, into large majestic trees that provide shelter for countless of God's creatures.

Our lives as Christians are not much different. Our conversions start many times under the fires of sin and the wrongs the world teaches us. We take root as small things in sparse soil. For great periods of time we find ourselves buried in the icy cold of the world, but with the Lord's help we persevere. We continue to grow and as we fight off the attacks we face in our growth, we become mature. The next step is to share our strength and maturity with those who need it, similar to the many creatures who seek shelter in the great pines.

So, mustard seeds must be like pine seeds which are like our lives as Christians. I’m convinced God watches over every pine seed that hits the ground and sprouts. Is there any doubt He watches over each one of us?

- Don Claunch, SFO
(dlclaunch at bresnan dot net)