Jesus, the Master of parables, likens the kingdom of God to the mustard seed and leaven. Like a grain of mustard seed which grown into a big shrub, God's kingdom starts with the smallest beginning but no one knows how it will grow. In most groups of people, it is often the witness of one individual which brings Christianity to that group. A person set on fire for Christ will act as a catalyst and enkindle others.

Similarly, all of us are called to be the leaven which transforms the world. It is the love for Christ which allows a Christian to be the leaven. It is our interior strength fired by hours of prayer and sacrifice as well as the sacraments which motivate and deepen commitment. "Apart from me you are nothing": to be vibrant like yeast, we must be guided by Christ and act with genuine sincerity so that we can be like a beacon which attracts others to Christ.

History demonstrates the transforming power of Christ in individuals and society. Christ uplifted the status of women and guarded the rights of children, the aged and the poor. The first blind asylum was founded by Thalasius, a Christian monk; the first free dispensary by Apollonius, a Christian merchant; the first recorded hospital by Fabiola, a Christian lady. Are we like leaven in our families, our place of study and work? Do we show by our spirit of peace and joy that Christ is alive in us?