Making A Difference
Brethren, today we celebrate the memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus who were close associates of Saint Paul in his various missionary journeys. Through his pastoral letters to these two, Saint Paul shows that affirming the lives of his followers and associates usually brings out the best qualities in them. Even the best needs encouragement, renewal, prayer and perseverance. Today’s lesson to all Christians is that each of us should be a source of inspiration to others. The witness of these two saints made them part of the family of God.
What made these two bishops shine out in virtues and leadership like this? They, like a small mustard seed which Jesus talks about in the gospel, made a huge difference in the early mission of the Church and in establishing the Church of Christ. The seed of faith which was planted in them by Jesus through Saint Paul, they provided it with manure and a fertile soil, and it grew up to make a difference. Today we are invited also to make a difference just the way we are, in our positions and in whatever we do. We learn from the mustard seed, the smallest of seeds, which sprouts into a big tree and shelters the birds of the air. We too in our small capacities, like Sts Titus and Timothy, can make a difference.
What can mustard seeds teach us about the kingdom of God? As we have seen, the tiny mustard seed literally grew to be a tree which attracted numerous birds because they loved the little black mustard seed it produced. God's kingdom works in a similar fashion. It starts from the smallest beginnings in the hearts of men and women who are receptive to God's word. And it works unseen and causes a transformation from within. Just as a seed has no power to change itself until it is planted in the ground, so we cannot change our lives to be like God until God gives us the power of his Holy Spirit.
Peter Chrysologous (400-450 AD), an early church father, explained how the " tree of the cross" spread its branches throughout the world and grew into a worldwide community of faith offering its fruit to the whole world, and he invites us to shelter in her branches: "...When he promised a kingdom to the patriarchs, the seed took root in them; with the prophets it sprang up; with the apostles it grew tall; in the Church it became a great tree putting forth innumerable branches laden with gifts. And now you too must take the wings of the psalmist's dove, gleaming gold in the rays of divine sunlight, and fly to rest for ever among those sturdy, fruitful branches. No snares are set to trap you there; fly off, then, with confidence and dwell securely in its shelter. (SERMON 98). The church is there for us let's run to her shelter.
Brethren, however small or low in social status, you can make a difference. What you need is to believe in yourself and allow the transforming power of God to transform you so that you can do the will of God. Do you allow the seed of God's word to take deep roots in your life and transform you into a fruit-bearing disciple of Jesus Christ?
Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and transform me into the Christ-like holiness you desire. Increase my zeal for your kingdom and instill in me a holy desire to live for your greater glory. Amen
Be blessed.
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