Peace the Size of a Mustard Seed
Editor’s Note: In a society that often challenges peace, DC Service Corps volunteer Sam Alves reflects on having faith the size of a mustard seed and promoting peace in little ways.
The smallness of a mustard green seed, to be planted in an urban farm in Milwaukee, in the palm of my hand.
Peacemaking in this world armed to the teeth seems like an impossible task oftentimes. Consider the billions of dollars in arms sales, the militarization of police and paramilitary forces in DC and other major cities in the country, and the dehumanizing language used by powerful politicians.
Now, consider the smallness of God and Jesus’ way of peace — the smallness of Jesus in the Eucharist, the tenderness of baby Jesus in the arms of Mary in the manger and the weakness of Jesus on the Cross. These witnesses seem to pale in comparison to the worldly powers of our day.
But consider, too, the words of Jesus: Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17: 20)
The peace circles we run at Little Friends for Peace are simple. Some days, we teach the same peace tools around the DMV with folks ages six and 60. We are interested in countering major violence in our country and in the world, but that is not our primary focus. We start with small practices that are applicable to day-to-day life. Often, that is the only place we can begin.
The first day that I led a peace circle at an elementary school, there were four boys in my group. After a long day of school and their first session of after school activities, their focus and self control was waning. There was no choice but to cherish the small victories, like seeing a student ask for a classmate’s marker rather than ripping it out of their hand and starting a shouting match.
This may not seem like much in the grand scheme of things, like shootings and bombings continuing all over the world, but Jesus does not ask us for much. He promises that He can use the little acts of faith we offer Him to create miracles.
Call to action: Think of a small act of faith and/or love you can offer Jesus this week. Ask Him in prayer to receive your offering and for it to bear superabundant fruit.
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