The parable of the mustard seed contrasts the smallness of the seed and the size of the plant, a tree that offers hospitality to birds. The size of the grain underlines the insignificant and disappointing aspect of the beginning of the coming of God’s kingdom, namely, the coming of Jesus corresponds very little to the expectations the Jews had towards the Messiah. The parable of the leaven teaches us that the kingdom of God is present in the world as a ferment that totally transforms it.
The kingdom of heaven is in its historical beginnings a mustard seed, but it will not be such in its final stage. The parable is an announcement of consolation and comfort for those who cannot see the fulfillment of the messianic expectations in the work of Christ. The parable underlines that the Kingdom takes place despite its humble beginnings. The secret of God's plan – smallness and weakness do not affect future success: they are necessary conditions. The weakness of the men of the Kingdom is their strength, because only then do they find in God all their confidence and all the necessary support. The Kingdom will be great in weakness.
Believers must become poor, humble, weak in order for the Church to acquire the characteristics desired by its founder. Whoever receives the Kingdom like a mustard seed must conform their soul to the lesson that comes from the small seed.
The discourse on the mountain opens with this message of poverty (Mt 5:3). What Christ proclaims goes back to the time before creation. For Matthew, the kingdom of God is a pre-existing reality. Over time it was entrusted to Israel and became a definitive reality in Jesus. The pre-existence of the kingdom of God is confirmed by Mt 25.34.
The one who must give the truth to every parable of Jesus is the Holy Spirit. He must always illuminate the believing minds so that they understand what is hidden in them. Without the light of the Spirit, everything remains dark and hazy.
Virgin Mary and all the saints, make us wise to understand the parables of Jesus.
Abba Meskel Abib