ACC ~ Matthew 13 v32

THE LEAST, THE GREATEST

CHRYSOSTOM: Therefore he brought forward the similitude of this herb, which has a very strong resemblance to the kingdom of heaven. It indeed is “the least of all seeds, but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.”

Thus he meant to set forth the most decisive sign of its greatness. “Even so then shall it also be with respect to the gospel,” he says. For his disciples were weakest of all and least of all. Nevertheless, because of the great power that was in them, it has grown and been unfolded in every part of the world. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 46.2. [1]

[1] PG 58:478; NPNF 1 10:289.

THE GREATEST OF SHRUBS

HILARY: Now, in place of the herb, the preaching of the prophets was given to ailing Israel. But the birds of the air dwell in the branches of the tree that rises high above the ground. We see the apostles as branches stretched out by the power of Christ and overshadowing the world. The people of all nations fly there in the hope of life and, disquieted by the whirling winds—that is, by the breath and blowing force of the devil—they come to rest upon those tree branches. ON MATTHEW 13.4. [1]

[1] SC 254:298.

THE SMALLEST OF ALL SEEDS

JEROME: I believe that the branches of the gospel tree that grew from the grain of mustard seed signify the different teachings whereon each one of the birds mentioned perches. Let us also take on the feathers of a dove so that, flying to the higher parts, we may dwell on the branches of this tree and make nests for ourselves from the different doctrines and, fleeing from earthly things, hasten to heavenly things.

Many people read that the grain of mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds. They read what the disciples say in the Gospel: “Lord, increase our faith,” [1] and the answer given to them by the Savior: “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith even like a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.” [2] They wonder whether an apostle would ask for a small faith or they doubt the Lord concerning what he has to say about small faith. Yet Paul the apostle makes an even greater comparison than faith to a grain of mustard. In fact, what does he say? “If I have all faith so as to move mountains, yet do not have charity, I am nothing.” [3] COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 2.13.31. [4]

[1] Lk 17:5.

[2] Mt 17:20.

[3] 1 Cor 13:2.

[4] CCL 77:108.