Two lovely parables describing the work of building the Kingdom. In the first parable, the comparison is made with a mustard seed which, though it is so tiny, can grow into a small tree, big enough to give shelter to birds. It is a message of hope for a small community surrounded by many perhaps hostile elements. To the early Christians, the idea that in the years to come they would number millions would have been a source of amazement. We, too, in times of difficulty need to have the same hope. In the second parable, the work of the Kingdom and hence of all Christians begins small (like a small amount of yeast in a large piece of dough) but gradually permeates the whole batch and brings about great change and growth. What is important here is that the work of the Church has to be done within society. The Church is to go to society rather than society come to the Church. Could I say that my Christian life has been a leaven in the society where I live?