Rector's Thoughts

In This August letter I’m mindful of the children of our many primary and secondary schools. Let us all pray for our young people, and those looking to the future in further education and apprenticeships etc.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

(Matthew 13:31–32)

Have you ever planted a seed? At first it doesn’t look like much. It’s tiny enough to fit on your fingertip and it’s hard to imagine that something so small could become a very large plant. Yet with time, care, and the right conditions, that little seed grows into something amazing. You may wonder why I chose this story for our August Magazine. Well the answer is simple, I was cleaning one of our cupboards and I found a small bag of mustard seeds which I dropped all over the place!!

Jesus loved using everyday pictures to teach profound truths and the mustard seed is one of His most memorable examples. Although the mustard seed is very small it grows into a large plant that provides shelter for birds. Jesus uses this image to show us how God’s kingdom often begins in humble, almost unnoticed ways before growing into something far greater than we could imagine.

This is encouraging news for families. In a world that often celebrates big achievements, loud voices, and instant success, God’s way is often different. He delights in working through small acts of faithfulness and love. Yesterday I was in Cromford School and the year 6’s had invited us all for afternoon tea. They’d made lovely cakes and a lovely cuppa. This gave us time to have a chat around our tables.  In a way it was Communion. Sharing food and listening to stories. This simple act was an act of love and to use an old word, fellowship. But as Christians if you have children or grandchildren the following may work for you:

A bedtime prayer – simple and short.

A parent reading a Bible story or a moral story after a busy day.

A kind word to a lonely neighbour. (do we know our neighbours?)

A meal shared with someone who needs encouragement.

These moments may seem insignificant, but in God’s hands they become seeds of His kingdom. Children especially can learn from the mustard seed. They sometimes feel they are too young to make a difference, yet throughout scripture God uses young people in extraordinary ways. A child who chooses kindness over cruelty, forgiveness over resentment, or honesty over popularity is planting seeds that can influence friends, classmates, and even adults. The parable also reminds us to be patient. Seeds do not grow overnight. We live in a culture that expects quick results, but spiritual growth usually happens gradually. As parents and grandparents, we may wonder whether our efforts are making any difference. We repeat the same Bible stories, offer the same prayers, encourage the same values, and sometimes see little immediate change.

Jesus reminds us not to lose heart.

Every loving conversation, every prayer, every example of grace is a seed planted in the lives of those we love. God is at work even when we cannot yet see the harvest.

The mustard seed also points us towards hope for the wider Church. Christianity itself began with a small group of ordinary disciples following Jesus. From those humble beginnings, the good news has spread across continents and generations. The kingdom continues to grow as people share Christ’s love in homes, schools, workplaces, hospitals and nursing homes and communities around the world.

Perhaps the greatest comfort of this parable is that the growth belongs to God. We plant and water, but God gives the increase. Our task is not (necessarily) to achieve spectacular results but to remain faithful in the small things.

This week, why not look for one “mustard seed” opportunity? It might be writing a note of encouragement to someone, praying, helping parents and grandparents, helping someone in need or inviting a neighbour for tea. Never underestimate what God can do through one small act offered in love.

Family Activity

Plant some seeds together in a small pot or in your garden. As they begin to grow, talk about how faith grows little by little. Ask each family member to think of one small way they can show God’s love during the coming week. Write these ideas on paper leaves and place them on a simple “Mustard Seed Tree” displayed at home. As the week progresses, celebrate the ways God has helped your family put faith into action.

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank You for reminding us that You can do great things through small beginnings. Help us to be faithful in the little acts of love, kindness, and obedience that build Your kingdom. Give us patience as we grow in faith and help our family home become a place where others find welcome, hope, and the love of Christ.

Amen.

 With love and prayers from Stephen Monk