Start small. That’s the message.

Bishop Robert Barron’s reflections frequently make me laugh. And I couldn’t resist re-posting another one of his great reflections. (See below italics.)

When we think of the mustard seed, and what it eventually becomes–a huge tree– it gives us an insight into God’s way of thinking.

We are so impatient as Americans. It’s no wonder we are impatient because we live in fast food, fast cash, quick text message, instagram culture. Everything is almost instantaneous, and in real time, FAST. But God doesn’t exactly work that way. And Bishop Barron has a really great insight as to why God has us start out small.

I hope you take the time to read this short reflection below by Bishop Barron.

Friends, today’s Gospel compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed that “when it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants.” It seems to be a law of the spiritual life that God wants good things to start small and grow over time.

We’re tempted to say, “You’re God. Just get on with it. Do it!” But why would God work the way he does? We might attempt a few explanations. It is a commonplace of the Bible that God rejoices in our cooperation. He wants to involve us, through freedom, intelligence, and creativity, in what he is doing. And so he plants seeds, and he wants us to cultivate them.

Consider what God said to St. Francis: “Francis, rebuild my Church.” God could have rebuilt his Church without Francis, but he wanted him to get involved. 

When things start small, they can fly under the radar while they gain strength and heft and seriousness. Also, those involved can be tested and tried. Suppose you want to do something great in the life of the Church and you pray and God gives you massively what you want. You might not be ready, and your project will peter out. So be patient and embrace the small invitations.