The first thing that comes to mind when one hears the word, "kingdom" is typically an image of a castle, or a king sitting on his throne, or a mighty warrior with an army behind him. The images are masculine, and evokes visions of power and strength. So far removed from the images of the "Kingdom of God" that Jesus Christ used today - a tiny mustard seed and the kitchen yeast - images so small and unimpressive by worldly standards.

But reading a little further, one realizes that both seed and yeast are mere starting points. Both grow into big realities that belie their original sizes, and both serve purposes that are others-centred: the tree provides shelter for birds, while the leavened bread becomes food for consumption. Herein lies the difference between the kingdom of man and the kingdom of God. While the kingdom of man is self-serving and power-centred, the kingdom of God is others-centred. It supplies others with the necessary ingredients to grow, and empowers others to reach their full potential. The five loaves and two fishes are excellent examples of this reality. We give our little, or even lousy best, and God will do the rest.

So we trust God to multiply our efforts through our honest giving and sacrifice. His might is boundless. To give without counting the cost is a participation in the building up of a kingdom of faith and love. This is our hope, in the most insignificance of roles, God's might is manifested.