The Mustard Seed

A reflection on Mark 4:26-34

How can it be that the smallest spark of faith can radiate with the light of love and truth that casts out all darkness? How can it be that in the midst of my most chaotic thoughts or feelings, one breath of God's presence can settle the flow of adrenaline and calm the raging storm of fear or confusion? How can it be that one small infant can be born to live in a way that radically affects all of humanity?

The questions are endless! And yet the proof is something that we are invited to embrace as we look at life with the eyes of a faithful heart. A sight, sound, gesture or glance that initially seems trivial or irrelevant may be a seed that will take root in somebody's life and have dramatic and lasting impact.

One such seed that comes to my mind:

I was a baby Christian, new to the church (in my mid thirties). It was at a Lenten Supper. The speaker (I have no clue now about his name or where he was from) said to me: "Pamela, what do you do here?" (referring to the congregation's ministry). My response: "I don't know, I'm new at this."

Now, here's the moment...the seed.

He held my hand, looked deeply (or so it seemed) into my eyes and said: "Stay close to the fire."

That was it...that was all...he moved away from me to other folks in the room and the moment was over...or was it?

That was over 20 years ago. And to this day that guy's 5 words echo. I have passed them on to others who have wondered about faith or church membership. I have leaned upon those words in those dark moments when I have experienced the chill of temptation or sin lurking in the world of my day.

I will never, ever forget that seed...that small momentary connection with a guy whose face or name I can't remember...