Here is part of today’s Gospel, from St Matthew: ‘Another parable he put before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”’

St John Chrysostom commented: ‘He brought forward the similitude of this herb; … Which indeed is the least, He says, of all seeds, but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

Thus He meant to set forth the most decisive sign of its greatness. Even so then shall it be with respect to the gospel too, says He. Yea, for His disciples were weakest of all, and least of all; but nevertheless, because of the great power that was in them, it has been unfolded in every part of the world …’

As Christ said to St Paul, ‘My power is made perfect in weakness’. Today let us make a definitive act of trust in the Lord, that His power may indeed be made perfect in our weakness; and may God bless you this day.