Planting Seeds - November 3

Today’s Readings -  Psalm 56, 57, [58]; Neh. 6:1-19; Rev. 10:1-11; Matt. 13:36-43

This past Saturday I had the honor of baptizing the infant son of two good friends. One part of my role was to provide the homily. It was All Saints Day and so my focus was on the ways we can be transformed and transform others through an outpouring of love, love we receive continually from God. All of this in line with St. Paul’s belief that we are all created to be holy.

Our children are growing up in a world that can be difficult to love and see love. It’s a world where it seems some days there is more evil than ever before. It’s hard some days to find the “saints”, the ones who embrace the holiness of God to whom St. Paul refers. As part of the baptismal liturgy the parents and godparents renounce the forces of evil, they renew their commitment to Christ, and we all vow to “do all in our power to support these persons in their life in Christ.” Then as witnesses we all renew our own baptismal vows, closing each promise with a resounding “with God’s help. “

As we grow in the love of Christ, as we are transformed, we can plant seeds, seeds of goodwill, of patience, of endurance, of a life lived in faith and trust in God. There will be times when we stumble, when we give in to temptations, distractions from our relationship with God, when we plant more bad seeds than good. When we do, we can repent and return to God. All is not lost over one mistake or one transgression. As we grow in our faith, we are transformed, we become a source of light and love for others. We become a source of inspiration for those who might not believe “everyday saints” still exist.

The gospel for today portrays an Apocalyptic vision that gives us little comfort. It’s a pretty hard message with very few soft edges.  However, as in all of life with God’s help all is not lost. Becoming the person Christ intends us to be is never a one and done. It’s a lifelong transformation, a process of growing, messing up and returning to find God, waiting to love us unconditionally.

Faithfully,

Sally+

Questions for Reflection and Challenge - When did you see the fruits of good seeds that you planted? How does it feel when our efforts fall on rocky soil, or weeds spring up instead of the intended good results?