October 27, 2026  // Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Luke 13:18-21 Reflect on the Word // The earliest memory I have of experiencing delight was when my father crafted a koi pond in our backyard. Though I was only five years old, I still remember the day he built it. It started small. One shovel full of dirt became twenty, then one hundred, until a giant hole formed where there used to be level ground. With intentionality, I watched my father carefully place the rock and foliage, and with great joy, the new thriving ecosystem was complete.  I would sit beside that pond for hours. Merrily humming a song, I would let myself be mesmerized by the rings in the water, as the fish danced underneath the surface. I fondly remember the feeling of koi nibbling my fingers and begging my father to feed them just one more time. I hoped I could catch a glimpse to see how many speckles were on each fish. I delighted in what my father had made.  In today’s Gospel, Jesus offers a child-like parable to describe the Kingdom of God. “It is like a mustard seed,” He says (Luke 13:19). When sown in the ground, the little mustard seed will grow. It will become a tree and even be able to offer the birds of the air a place to nest (see Luke 13:19). Like a seed, by God’s very own design, His Kingdom is meant to grow.  In God’s perfect plan, every living thing within His boundaries would not only find refuge, but be the recipients of abundant life. And suddenly, my childhood backyard would serve as a beautiful image of the Lord’s intentions for those who delight in Him—to wondrously enjoy the work of His hands.  It is a privilege to be in the Kingdom of God—to live and move and have our being (see Acts 17:28) within the borders of His love. It is also a great blessing to watch as the Father builds His Kingdom. Every detail, for our good and for His glory. We have permission to delight in Jesus as we behold Him renewing the face of the earth and His Kingdom becoming “fully grown” (Luke 13:19).  Relate to the Lord // Think of a moment recently when you experienced delight in something you made. Now think about how the Lord delights in His handiwork–including you!