These are troubled times, and many are
overwhelmed by the problems we face with COVID19 and racial injustices. But it’s nothing new; our history is replete
with catastrophes and chaos, especially in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 14:17-22,
for example). And it’s nothing new when
trouble surrounds us, that we’re often tempted to think that God is punishing
us for our sins in ways that condemn us.
When we don’t get the peace and time of healing we ask for, we often
question God. “Why
have you struck us a blow that cannot be healed?” (Jeremiah 14:19) But my reflection on these
Scripture readings today speak to me of faithfulness and of patience, not
despair, in times such as this. Our
faith calls us to continually look to the Lord for the peace and healing we
need. It will come.
“The seed is the Word of God, Christ is
the Sower; All who come to him will live forever.”
(Matthew 13:36-42)
“Whoever has ears ought to hear!”
(Matthew 13:43)
The Word of
God planted by Christ in our hearts can give us everlasting peace and
hope. It can also challenge us to listen
with our ears and respond accordingly.
During these pandemic times we’re surrounded by so many voices, some that
give us hope while others cause us to despair.
Even as we try to listen and follow the directives set forth from those
who have our best interest and wellbeing at heart, it’s sometimes difficult to
remain positive and hopeful.
Faith tells
us that no matter how bad things seem to be, God is in charge and we’ll get
through this. We can find our hope in
the words of Jesus. There are good seeds
as well as weeds. There is the loving sower, Jesus, but also the evil one, the
Devil! If we’re people of faith (the
good seed) connected to the sower, Jesus, and make the effort to avoid the
weeds sown by the Devil, we’ll produce a bountiful harvest of love, compassion,
and mercy!
There are
multiple seeds of love, compassion, and mercy being sown on a daily basis in
the midst of this pandemic and societal challenges. The challenge for us is to keep our ears
open, our eyes focused and our hearts willing so that we can share in the
harvest of good news that Jesus continues to preach and respond
accordingly.
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