The Parable of the Leaven might be shortest told by Jesus in the Bible, but it could have the most to teach us about the kingdom of Heaven!
This brief parable is found in Matthew 13:33 and consists of just one verse:
“He spoke another parable to them: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of fine wheat flour, until it was entirely leavened.'”
In this parable, Jesus presents the scenario of a woman baking bread who takes a small amount of yeast and mixes it into a large quantity of flour until the yeast leavens the entire batch of dough.
Church Fathers and saints have interpreted the Parable of the Leaven as illustrating how a small element—such as love, Jesus or apostolic preaching—can transform the whole of humanity. The leaven represents this transformative power, gradually affecting the entire “dough” of society.
The woman symbolizes wisdom, the Church, or the Synagogue, while the three measures of flour signify various triads like the heart, soul, and mind; the Law, Prophets, and Gospels; or belief in the Holy Trinity.
With this parable, Jesus asks us to recognize and participate in the subtle yet impactful ways God’s grace works in our lives. Embracing this message is fundamental to Catholic life, encouraging us to contribute to God’s work, no matter how modest our efforts may seem!
“May your will be done, as in heaven, so also on earth.” 🙏
Photo credit: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
