Day 44

The mustard tree that Jesus was probably referring to has small spherical seeds less than a millimeter in diameter. Yet, that seed can grow to be a tree 20 or more feet high with drooping branches. The  Kingdom of God, dare I say our recovery, begins as that tiny seed. For me as an alcoholic, when I first put “the plug in the jug” I began a process of metanoia, repentance, and conversion. That for me was the tiny seed that was planted, germinated, and began to grow. But, like any plant, it must also receive sunshine, water, and the soil’s nutrients if it is to mature fully. In our recovery, those things take the shape of attending meetings, working the Twelve Steps, meeting with a sponsor, serving others, and so on.

Ultimately, we cannot expect instantaneous transformation of our life and relationships. We need to continue to work and grow. Ultimately, time takes time. Jesus illustrates how we begin our faith and recovery journeys—with an infinitesimal spark of trust and conversion. He reminds us that if we continue to do the work of building a new life in recovery and in Christ, we will mature into the strong tree that provides places of rest and shade for others.

Reflection Questions

• Reflect on when and how you planted that mustard seed of your recovery. Have you been making reasonable and steady progress toward becoming that mature “mustard tree?”
• Has your mustard tree grown to bring shade and comfort to those around you? What steps do you need to address to rekindle or enhance its growth?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Jeremiah 13:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Deuteronomy 32:18-19, 20, 21
Gospel: Matthew 13:31-35

Reflection by Kevin S.

(d.c.305) — Panteleon was a Christian and a lifelong bachelor. He was the physician to Emperor Maximian. Panteleon gave his fortune to the poor and treated them medically without payment. He was put on trial under Emperor Diocletian for being a Christian, during which he cured a paralytic simply by pronouncing the name of Jesus. He was nailed to a tree and beheaded. During the Black Plague (1346-1353), devotion to the “Fourteen Holy Helpers,” saints who had a strong track record for intercession, of which Saint Panteleon was one, became very popular.

Saint Panteleon “relapsed” at one point, abandoning his faith for a worldly life. He felt terrible and came back. Relapse doesn’t need to be part of anyone’s story, but if it is, keep coming back!

“Saint Pantaleon, miraculous exemplar of charity, pray for us…O God, who didst miraculously fortify the Fourteen Holy Helpers in the confession of the Faith; grant us, we beseech Thee, to imitate their fortitude in overcoming all temptations against it, and protect us through their intercession in all dangers of soul and body, so that we may serve Thee in purity of heart and chastity of body. Through Christ our Lord. Amen” (Litany of the Fourteen Holy Helpers).

Reflection by Brad Farmer