Growing from Small Things - Gospel of Thomas

Verse - Growing from Small Things

The disciples said to Jesus, "Tell us what the kingdom of heaven is like." He said to them, "It is like a mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds, but when it falls on the ground, out of it comes a large branch, which becomes a shelter for the birds of the air."

Comment

Thomas emphasizes the need for the land on which the seed falls to be worked by man, for him to do his part to ensure that the seed can germinate, become a sapling, and finally a tree, and thus provide shelter for birds, which are mentioned here as representatives of all living things. What is required here is expressed in another word from the Lord quoted in the Codex Bezae: Seek to grow from small things and become smaller from large things.

As Christ served all, so we too should be brotherly servants to all beings, so that the light and strength within us may increase. Every stirring of serving love and willing devotion warms and enflames the heart, every good word, every helpful deed makes the soul brighter, the walk more exhilarating and the way upwards easier. It is the sum of good thoughts, words and deeds that prepares the ground for the seeds of light, carries us up to ever higher levels of inner light and enlightenment, expansion of consciousness and initiation, and allows us to become a priest and herald of the Grail, a helper and guardian of all life.