See it, Say it, Sorted - May 11
Today’s Readings - Psalm 80; Lev. 25:35-55; Col. 1:9-14; Matt. 13:1-16
For a preacher, this morning’s gospel is one that is more of a joy than a conundrum. It’s incredibly rich with visual imagery, lending itself to many avenues a preacher can take. I’ve always loved the garden imagery. Weeds are something I have an up-close and personal relationship with, as anyone who has seen my yard can attest.
However, as I re-read this passage, I was struck by something else - the frequency of the word, “listen.” Listen or words that pertain to listening appear six times in just 16 verses. It’s as if God is saying, “Pay attention, this is important”
While I was in seminary I did a chaplaincy at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. When we met with patients we weren’t allowed to take notes, however, we were expected to present a verbatim account of the conversation later in our group meetings, so careful listening was crucial.
Listening and being present are two priceless gifts we can give one another. Being wholly tuned into whomever we’re spending time with matters. It not only does a disservice to our companion, but it undermines our potential to be who we need to be to one another, when we’re only partially present. Listening doesn’t always pertain to the spoken word. Sometimes we need to listen with more than our ears, perhaps with our instincts, with our heart. Many times, I’ve noticed that when someone is struggling to say something it’s not what they say as much as what they don’t say. How their body conveys their inner need for expression. Sometimes it’s with their eyes, other times with their gestures. I would often have patients during my chaplaincy who were intubated, making it impossible for them to talk. I can promise you, though, those were some of the richest conversations I had that summer.
In Jesus’ dialogue with the disciples, he echoes Isaiah’s lost hope for those who fail “to see” or “hear.” He describes those who will never understand because they do not pay attention, they do not see because they have shut their eyes, nor do they hear, or perceive because their hearts have grown dull. His command to listen falls on deaf ears much like the seeds which fall on rocky soil. Those who do not see or hear have no foundation in which the seeds of wisdom and truth Jesus shares can take root. Without a sure foundation, our faith when life presents stressors, when one’s faith is confronted or challenged will wilt and fail to produce good fruit.
While we were in England there was an announcement we heard every time we took the tube that I just loved: “See it, say it, sorted.” In other words, stay alert, be present to your surroundings, listen and tell someone if something seems off. It seems to me Jesus is saying pretty much the same thing: See it – be present to those around you; Say it – if you’re concerned or worried, if you think you can help with something make an offer, let the other person know you care; and always trust Christ and the Holy Spirit to know what we need before we ask and that it will be “sorted!”
Faithfully,
Sally+
Questions for Reflection and Challenge - How often do you catch yourself only partly listening to a friend or even a loved one? How often do you feel only partly heard when you’re earnestly trying to confide in someone or ask for help? How often do you feel invisible, unseen? Consider what that feels like and then consider how might you change your own habits? How might you be more present to others, to Christ.