Then he 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
We arrived yesterday to cooler weather and terrific volunteers. The accommodations are good and I was unpacking after a rest, when stepping up into our bathroom, my Achilles tendon on my right leg seemed to snap and I ended up in A & E (accident and emergency). Now I'm in a Beckham boot. I heard my Mama say, "the devil is working overtime", and all I wanted t do was return home. Toss in the towel. We are all called to hard places and are often overcome with weeds and challenges of all sorts. But we are supposed to be here, called by the people and God to voice the needs of the voiceless. May the coming days be shining light, the work of our Creator, and may all have the heart of Christ.
Gracious Creator, you put us in a wide tent
opening the flaps to all who need shelter
yet we often keep out those who are different
and build walls to shield ourselves for discomfort.
Make us uncomfortable during the coming days
move our hearts with great compassion and love
as we listen and draw near with your understanding
as we expand our vision through your deep love.
Take away all pride and spiteful arrogance
make us quick to laugh and quicker to cry
may we look beyond difference to you
and become one people, the family of God. Amen.
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