Harvest

He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, “Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?” He answered, “An enemy has done this.” The slaves said to him, “Then do you want us to go and gather them?” But he replied, “No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’ Matthew 13:24-30

We like to believe that we will be forgiven of whatever we have done because we are Christians. Yet, Jesus is clear that those of us who act like weeds, choking out growth in order to get our way, are facing dire consequences. We seem to have given in to the "rage and grievances" way of our times. Our readiness to forgive, again and again, marks us as followers of Jesus. Too often we act as spoiled children. Harboring grudges, demanding restitution, shunning others is not the way of Jesus. We are called to be workers in the harvest, those who go out in the heat of the day. Jesus will provide the restitution when we live ready to forgive and ready to serve.

Loving Creator, you put your heart in us

made us flesh and blood into your family

we are given the tools to love the people

and renew communities that are harmed.

Too often, we nurse our wounds and slights

we turn away from forgiveness to rage

we act as victims when we are surely called

to be servants of love, forgiveness and renewal.

May we offer all our pain and hurt to you

knowing you suffer for us all on the cross

you took our burdens, sorrows and pain

and will shower us all with a harvest of plenty. Amen.