This Sunday Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed (Mark 4:26-29). It starts off as the smallest seed in the ground and ends up as the largest plant in the garden. Ideas have a similar capacity to expand and to grow; they have a life of their own.'You cannot under estimate the power of an idea said simply and repeated often' .. An idea can always beat energy: a quick witted member of our congregation used to duck the need to compete in the fashion stakes, at an exclusive Mother and Toddlers Group, by turning up in her track suit and telling the other Mothers that she was on the way to the gym. The good news for us is that we do not need to outwit other people ourselves because the Holy Spirit guides us into all truth (John 16:13). There is a threefold rhythm to Franciscan spirituality can help to steer us towards this. This Franciscan rhythm is 'See-Judge-Act'. 'Seeing' is understanding; 'judging' is wisdom and [only then] 'acting' is decision. Sit still for five minutes - it may be the most powerful thing you do all day.

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