Seeds of Change

Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come."

He also said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade."

With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples. Mark 4:26-34

Seeds of Change

The winter was soft and mild
but the ground froze hard and we ached
waiting for the light to lengthen
and the world to turn again.

The deep cold nights bundled
under quilts and skins we dreamed
harvest golds and green
of sweet berries and ripe squash
a table set and full for all the relatives.

When the light returned we prayed
and crawled out to greet the sun
our hungry bellies singing with hope
our arms open to love.

We stripped off the winter blankets
and dug deep into the soil
thankful with each row each turning
to God who brings us life.

When we planted the seeds we dreamed again
of all the people who we could serve
of all the hands and mouths that would sing
and all the little ones be full.

Waiting as the seeds are growing
asking for enough rain and sunlight
watching tender shoots and weeds alike
we ask for God's blessing on our gardens.

May the harvest be plentiful O Creator
may our hands not fail at tending the young
may all of our lives be lived for others
and may the little ones be filled.





The Collect

Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.