Rigteous Will Shine

Then Jesus left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!" Matthew 13:36-43 

I sat in the crossing yesterday for the Investiture Service for Michael Curry. It was a glorious celebration and the energy and hope were electric. People crowded in to be witnesses to the our first African American Presiding Bishop. There was such hope and joy and the sun seem to magnify that joy as it shined through the windows, as if singing along with the great cloud of witnesses. A wonderful moment in history and a time to prepare for the work ahead. I felt honored to do my small part yesterday and hope to lend my aid to the movement ahead.

Jesus, the ultimate teacher, was asked to explain the parable. We are thick as humans and really need good teachers who can lead us through the thick morass of our own egos and narrow world views. Jesus invited them all to understand that we must always be about service, about providing good soil. constant welcome and nurture as the people of God. Our job is to love and forgive or we will be seen as weeds, blocking the light and nourishment. God invites us to examine ourselves and see where we might be blocking love and healing for others.

Today I ask God to help me get out of the way so God's light can shine through me. May we become instruments of God's love and healing this day. May we join in the movement and live so that the hopes and dreams of our ancestors may be realized.