Close of the Age

He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed is the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the close of the age. Matthew 13:37-40


I have been thinking a great deal about the end of certain times and eras. At this gathering I am attending, we have listened to past leadership from across Indian Country and particularly in the Episcopal Church. We heard a lot about seeds that were planted and programs that were started. We have also heard about well meaning bishops and others in authority who have blocked forward progress. We have talked about the Doctrine of Discovery, paternalism and racism. Lots of people have done great work and have seen little fruit. Some were obviously hurt and frustrated at the end of their time, or, have been saddened that no one has taken up the torch.
And yet, seasons change and we have to see the harvest that God envisions, not the harvest we think we are due.

Jesus has been telling stories and is explaining as he goes. And even then, the folks gathered around, didn't really understand, even if they nodding their heads, and smiled in acknowledgment. How could they know, since they could hardly imagine their children, let alone know my children. And I who have watched my children grow up can't still imagine how God will work in their lives in the days to come. How can we really understand the final harvest?

Today, I want to give thanks for this one more day. A day not to harvest but to plant seeds an nurture young plants. God is lord of the harvest and I want to enjoy the gifts of tending and nurturing without a worry about the end of the age. Today I want to rejoice where I have been planted and ask God for the increase.