Read:  The yeast was growing too slowly for our classroom demonstration, so I added some sugar and left the room. Rookie mistake!  The ginormous explosion of yeast, excited 5th graders and the aroma totally disrupted the unfortunate music teacher’s lesson. As you read the parables this week, allow yourself to use all of your senses to imagine the growth and power of the yeast and the mustard seed. Read the passage once silently. Read it aloud slowly picturing all of the smells, scents, images, textures, sounds and tastes. Lastly, listen to it read aloud, paying attention to what stands out to you.

Reflect: Jesus was showing the power of the seemingly insignificant and ordinary to grow exponentially and provide amazing benefit to many. What is He speaking about the Church? How is the growth occurring in the parable?  Where have you seen “small” things grow in your own life? Think of some of the hidden or seemingly insignificant actions or offerings growing in the Church?

Respond:  Take inventory of the small, insignificant offerings you hold. What talents, skills, abilities and “things” do you have? List these out. Spend time looking at that list with God. What is He showing you? How could He use those things for the benefit of those in your community? Next, “throw some sugar at your yeast.” Offer one of those things to God. Pray expectantly about how God would choose to use it. Watch for what He does with it.