Homily for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time

There is a story about a couple named Bob and Mary. They were very active in their parish community, always involved in everything that went on, whether it involved bread and wine, pasta and meatballs, or hammer and nails. They were always there, giving of their time and their talents.

But, over the years, the ravages of Alzheimer's Disease reduced Bob to helplessness, and every day was a tremendous struggle for this faithful couple. The parish community, however, was always there for them. People would take turns staying with Bob on Wednesdays so Mary could get a few hours to herself.

One day, a group of our parish members approached Mary with a request. They asked if she could bring Bob to the parish hall, where they were doing renovation work. Mary was hesitant, unsure of how Bob would cope or contribute. But they were adamant, convinced that Bob's presence alone would be a valuable contribution. They wanted Bob to be part of the project in any way he could, even if it was just being there.

So, Mary brought Bob to the parish hall, where they were warmly welcomed. The people in charge gave Bob a hammer and some nails to pound into the new flooring, and they encouraged him on every nail. Bob looked up at his wife, beaming. On that day, if only for a few minutes, Bob was his old self.

This simple act of caring on the part of Bob's friends powerfully restored a sense of joy and purpose in Bob's life.

Such is the "mustard seed" faith that we are called to embrace—that even the smallest act of selflessness and goodness, done in faith and trust in God's presence, has meaning in God's kingdom. The mustard seed challenges us to grab hold of our opportunities to plant and reap a harvest of peace, compassion, and reconciliation, bringing a glimpse of God’s kingdom to the piece of the earth and point in time that we occupy.