Mtr Mary Trainor

Give me your hand when I've lost my way  …*

Dear friend,

Both of my parents were great storytellers. Whether they were reading from now-classic materials, or simply winging it, my brother and I benefited greatly from their creativity, curiosity, and their ability to spin a good yarn.

Today one particular story comes to mind. As I share it, if it sounds familiar--please, no cries of plagiarism or theft of creative materials. I am simply recounting a story shared decades ago by very imaginative parents. But for all I know, it was the storyline to a movie.

Give me your shoulder to cry on  …

The main idea of their story was this: a rich man, maybe a mob boss, scoffed at the idea of using coins, or even having such change in his pockets. That is for poor people. Rich people use paper bills.

The man, running from people who wanted to kill him, ducks into a phone booth to call for help.

The upshot? Having no coins on him, he died for want of a dime.

***

Our Gospel today from Matthew offers us a couple of Jesus’ most compelling parables, stories that illustrate that even the littlest of things—a mustard seed, a small portion of yeast—can result in large, substantial, sustaining contributions.

My takeaway is this: I should not be dismissive of something that at first seems inconsequential. You just never know what a difference a dime, a seed, a smattering of yeast can make.

For always and ever, now and forever, little things mean a lot.

Mtr Mary

* Little Things Mean A Lot. Written by Carl Stutz, Edith Lindeman. Copyright February 2, 1954. Made popular by singer Kitty Kallen. Listen here,