Walking the Cornfields

One sabbath while Jesus was going through the cornfields, his disciples plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. But some of the Pharisees said, ‘Why are you doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?’ Jesus answered, ‘Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and gave some to his companions?’ Then he said to them, ‘The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.’ On another sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him to see whether he would cure on the sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. Even though he knew what they were thinking, he said to the man who had the withered hand, ‘Come and stand here.’ He got up and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, ‘I ask you, is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to destroy it?’ After looking around at all of them, he said to him, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ He did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. Luke 6:1-11

Years ago, we visited my mom's aunt Lilian and Uncle Eb. He grew corn for Green Giant. It was August in Wisconsin, and the fields were ripe, and the stalks were so high above my head.  We went out and picked the corn, laughing and running in the field while Aunt Lillian got the water boiling. Nothing was ever more delicious than that corn that late August evening. I can't help but wonder if the disciples didn't revel in the taste of the corn they picked, right out in the field. More than their hunger was satisfied. That's God's kingdom, a place that is sweet and delicious, simple and satisfying for our souls and bodies.

Loving Creator, maker of every good thing

you provide for us when we are hungry

giving us sweetness and fullness beyond need

and you are with us wherever we may go.

Our lives often seem weary and without joy

we worry about the many tasks we have

we are anxious for our daily needs and bread

yet you have promised to provide in abundance.

Help us to walk with you in the ripe fields

help us to see the many sweet blessings here

give us your heart so that we might feed

those who need the sweetness of your blessing. Amen.