Luke 17:5-10

The mustard seed is mentioned by Jesus at least five or six times in the New Testament, and several of those are relative to the impact a small bit of faith – the size of a single mustard seed – can have.

Black Mustard Plant (Ancient near east, Israel – first century).

61 seeds on the surface of a dime. A bush, about 12 – 15’ tall.

That’s how much impact can a single mustard seed have?

But how about a practical example: Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu was born in 1910. Twenty-one years later, in 1931, the young woman then called “Teresa” took her initial vows as a nun and began her teaching career at a High School in Calcutta, India. Seventeen years later, in 1948, at the ripe old age of 38, with little more than her rosary, a crucifix, and her blue and white sari; Mother Teresa began a journey that grew into an order called “The Missionaries of Charity” that today includes not just nuns, but Brothers, Priests, employees and co-workers over 1 million people strong, that has spread all over the world, including the former Soviet Union, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas: at least 40 countries.

With not much more than a crucifix, a rosary, and a blue and white sari, Saint Teresa of Calcutta did something that…anyone of us in this worship space could have done. How do I know that about you, about me? She had little education, no home, no money or funding; no media, TV, or internet coverage: nothing. All she had was faith, the size of One…mustard…seed.

So, how many are ready to board a plane to Calcutta? Is that what you are supposed to do, today, in October of 2025? Maybe it is. And if so, let’s talk!

But if not, what work are we called to do? What difference are you…called to make? To use the language from today’s Gospel, what field are you being asked to plow, or which sheep (singular or plural) are you supposed to tend?

You might say: Deacon Mike, you have no idea how busy I am. I have a family, and a career. I have a job; I work at the school. I have to leave here, go home and get ready for work this week, take my daughter or son to their ballgame, help my dad – or my son – with a project, still haven’t finished those shelves in the basement. Or, you might say: I worked 70 hours last week. I’m doing all I can do. My mustard seed is planted.

And, while all of those things are very real and important…some people still feel a void, or a call…For me, it was something I was supposed to be doing. Sometimes, you can’t put your finger on it. It’s like a gnat that you keep shewing away. I know this personally, because I felt it. For years, I knew there was something…I just didn’t know what. I was that guy working 70 hours a week. Audrey and I were raising a family – four kids. And I pushed that call – I wouldn’t let it in. I did not have time for anything else in my life – in our lives as a family.

(Pause)…Sometimes – not always – that busy-ness is trying to fill a need that can’t be quenched, unless it is quenched by answering God’s call. (Mustard seed)

So, my advice is this: Pray and ask for God’s guidance in finding where to be that mustard seed. And then…listen. Maybe now is not the time, and if that’s what God is telling you, so be it. You are doing His will. But, if it is the time; seek, and you shall find the path to bring someone to the Eucharist…or to join yourself. Invite someone to church, become a Eucharistic Minister, take the Eucharist to the homebound; become a lector; attend the Men’s retreat, volunteer to be on the Women’s Bible Study team, become a youth Catechist – teach our children about Jesus on Sunday mornings. Try something and see if it works. I have news for you: you don’t pick a ministry, a ministry picks you. Our Parish is filled with opportunities for ministry: to be that mustard seed.

In today’s Gospel, after the example of the mustard seed, we hear Jesus say: “When you have done all you have been commanded, say ‘we are unprofitable servants…slaves; we have done what we were obliged to do.’”

Two chapters later…in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus tells those same disciples: “I no longer call you slaves. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. I, who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain.

So, what field does Christ call you to plow? What sheep…does He call you to tend?

How about the sheep on Klondike Lane?