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Gospel Reading for October 27, 2026 – Luke 13: 18-21
UNSTOPPABLE
Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.” Again he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”
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The growth of the Kingdom of God is UNSTOPPABLE. After all, it is God’s Kingdom—the Kingdom of the Lord of Heaven and Earth. Whatever God wills shall come to pass. What is essential is that we take part in fulfilling his will.
Despite the wars and violence happening all over the world, the Christian population continued to grow according to the estimates published in the World Christian Database’s 2025 report. It estimated that the number of Christians increased from 2.52 billion in 2020 to 2.65 billion by mid-2025—an increase of approximately 126 million people, or 5%. Although subsequent revisions have changed the estimated total, these earlier figures illustrate the growth reported in that publication.
Although we cannot definitively explain all the reasons behind changes in religious populations, what is clear is that Christianity remains a major force in the world. If Christianity were to disappear, it would be a CATASTROPHE for humanity. No wonder that when violence worsens, or when people impose their own interpretations of God’s laws, making what is wrong seem right and what is right seem wrong, some groups believe that the end is coming soon.
But as Jesus said, no one knows that hour except the Father (Matthew 24:36). What matters is how our Christian faith enables us to live fruitful lives, not only for ourselves but also for those around us and for the whole world. When we contribute to goodness instead of adding to evil, we help the Kingdom of God flourish.
Jesus compared the Kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed that grows into a large plant, providing shelter for the birds of the sky. We, too, are called to contribute to the growth of God’s Kingdom through our faith and good works. We are not the only branch; there are many others who help make God’s Kingdom flourish.
If each one of us truly live as Jesus teaches us, the statistical growth will not be important as the growth of Christian Love all over the world. Someday, may we all find our dwelling place in Heaven!
Lord Jesus, help us truly live Christian lives! Amen.
