The two parables described in the passage from Luke highlight the characteristics of the Kingdom of God: hiddenness and smallness, which have the power to make the Good News rise.

Francis had understood that, in the Gospel, Jesus calls us to become men and women capable of allowing the Word to reign, in our own lives and in those of others.

Hiddenness is a central theme of today’s Gospel, and the two Poor of Assisi had intuited that God’s greatness lies in containing within the small and the insignificant that which is uncontainable—namely, God himself.

The Sources contain descriptions that highlight all this.

For example, in the papal bull of canonisation of St Clare, we read:

«Indeed, this light was kept hidden within the seclusion of cloistered life, whilst outside it radiated brilliant flashes of light […]

It was kept within: and it spread outwards.

Clare, in fact, hid herself away: yet her life was known to all.

Clare was silent: yet her fame resounded far and wide.

She kept herself hidden in her cell: yet in the towns people preached about her» (FF 3284).

«This was the tall tree, reaching towards the sky, with outstretched branches […] and in whose pleasant and refreshing shade many followers flocked from all quarters, and still flock to taste its fruits» (FF 3294).

Francis himself shunned the company of men whenever he could, taking up residence in hermitages, knowing full well that in solitude and seclusion the seed sown produces abundant shoots.

The Sources tell us:

“Whilst Francis, shunning as was his custom the sight and company of men, was in a hermitage, a falcon that had its nest there made a solemn pact of friendship with him” (FF 754).

In truth, the Kingdom of Heaven takes root where apparent smallness shines forth, giving flavour to all things.

«To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until the whole was leavened» (Lk 13:20–21)

Tuesday, 30th wk. in Ordinary Time  (Lk 13:18–21)