Of God and Weeds

Today's Gospel reading is the parable of the sower. The sower (God) sows the good seed but when harvest time comes, weeds have grown up among the plants, sowed by the enemy. The servants want to separate the weeds from the good plants, but the owner refuses, not wanting to throw away good with the bad. He tells them to wait until the harvest time.

God always gives us a second chance. He wants to give us enough time to grow. Only at harvest time will God see whether or not we have yielded a crop of good or bad. In this parable, Jesus is counseling us to be patient with ourselves and with others--with the evil that is in the world. The fact that both good and evil grow together is all part of what this transient world is all about. We are to have patience with others and with ourselves.

Also, sometimes, what we may think is a weed, may not be. It is for God to judge, at the end of time, not for us. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, "All things work together for good." God uses the weeds in our lives for the greater good.

Brother Charles at Praise and Bless tells us that this parable can go even deeper than that. God sees both our good and our selfish intentions and will harvest out the good and forgive the bad.

Also in today's Gospel is the parable of the mustard seed. The mustard seed, in ancient Palestine, grows into an invasive, weedy plant. How is the Kingdom of Heaven like that? God does not work in organized little boxes. Jesus came to shake up the status quo, both then and now. His love is a radical love--stopping at no one, no race, creed, gender or status. God has no ulterior motive--he is love.

This even further, illustrates the point of the first parable. What we think may be something to be weeded out of our lives, may have been planted there on purpose.

 Our weed may indeed be a mustard seed.

Of God and Weeds

Today's Gospel reading is the parable of the sower. The sower (God) sows the good seed but when harvest time comes, weeds have grown up among the plants, sowed by the enemy. The servants want to separate the weeds from the good plants, but the owner refuses, not wanting to throw away good with the bad. He tells them to wait until the harvest time.

God always gives us a second chance. He wants to give us enough time to grow. Only at harvest time will God see whether or not we have yielded a crop of good or bad. In this parable, Jesus is counseling us to be patient with ourselves and with others--with the evil that is in the world. The fact that both good and evil grow together is all part of what this transient world is all about. We are to have patience with others and with ourselves.

Also, sometimes, what we may think is a weed, may not be. It is for God to judge, at the end of time, not for us. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, "All things work together for good." God uses the weeds in our lives for the greater good.

Brother Charles at Praise and Bless tells us that this parable can go even deeper than that. God sees both our good and our selfish intentions and will harvest out the good and forgive the bad.

Also in today's Gospel is the parable of the mustard seed. The mustard seed, in ancient Palestine, grows into an invasive, weedy plant. How is the Kingdom of Heaven like that? God does not work in organized little boxes. Jesus came to shake up the status quo, both then and now. His love is a radical love--stopping at no one, no race, creed, gender or status. God has no ulterior motive--he is love.

This even further, illustrates the point of the first parable. What we think may be something to be weeded out of our lives, may have been planted there on purpose.

 Our weed may indeed be a mustard seed.

Psalm 51

Today is Friday, still a penitential day in the Church. Let's meditate on Psalm 51, the ultimate penitential psalm.

I made this slide show years ago.

Psalm 51

Today is Friday, still a penitential day in the Church. Let's meditate on Psalm 51, the ultimate penitential psalm.

I made this slide show years ago.

The Jesus Prayer and Living Water

I was saying the Jesus Prayer today and realized that both it and today's Gospel use the word "living".

Living Water
Today's Gospel from John tells the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus tells her that if she knew who He was and knew "the Gift of God" He would give her "Living Water."

Living water is water that is not stagnant--it is flowing and moving; it sustains life.  The early Church used to baptize in "living water".

The Jesus Prayer
Many Orthodox and other Christians pray The Jesus Prayer daily:

Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

God is the "Living Water" Christ speaks of.  He is the Uncreated Energy.  He sustains all life.

If we meditate on that image, we discover that our troubled, stagnant lives are but a drop in the ocean of God's merciful love.  When we have stopped feeling, stopped caring and stopped moving forward, if we allow ourselves to become a drop in the deep ocean of God's caring love He will dissolve all our temporal shortcomings and cares and we will become one with Our Lord who cares for us so deeply.

Say the Jesus Prayer slowly, meditating on each word, and ask God to allow you to become one with Him.

The Jesus Prayer and Living Water

I was saying the Jesus Prayer today and realized that both it and today's Gospel use the word "living".

Living Water
Today's Gospel from John tells the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus tells her that if she knew who He was and knew "the Gift of God" He would give her "Living Water."

Living water is water that is not stagnant--it is flowing and moving; it sustains life.  The early Church used to baptize in "living water".

The Jesus Prayer
Many Orthodox and other Christians pray The Jesus Prayer daily:

Jesus, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

God is the "Living Water" Christ speaks of.  He is the Uncreated Energy.  He sustains all life.

If we meditate on that image, we discover that our troubled, stagnant lives are but a drop in the ocean of God's merciful love.  When we have stopped feeling, stopped caring and stopped moving forward, if we allow ourselves to become a drop in the deep ocean of God's caring love He will dissolve all our temporal shortcomings and cares and we will become one with Our Lord who cares for us so deeply.

Say the Jesus Prayer slowly, meditating on each word, and ask God to allow you to become one with Him.

Psalm 51

This is a video I did some years back on Psalm 51, a psalm that is prayed every Friday in the Church.

Psalm 51

This is a video I did some years back on Psalm 51, a psalm that is prayed every Friday in the Church.

The Jesus Prayer

In today's gospel from Luke, the Tax Collector utters the most beautiful and heart felt prayer in the midst of his feelings of inadequacy in the Presence of God--

Oh God, be merciful to me, a sinner. 

This prayer forms the basis of the Jesus Prayer which is said by Eastern Christians.  The practice uses the Holy Name of Jesus, which is very powerful, to begin this prayer of the heart, and is said continually throughout the day to fulfill St. Paul's admonition to pray without ceasing.  

Practice

Some form of 

Lord Jesus Christ, 

Son of God,

have mercy on me, 

a sinner, 

is used.  It could be 

Lord Jesus Christ, 

have mercy 

on me, 

or even as simple as, 

Jesus, mercy.  

It is often said on an Orthodox prayer rope, usually with either 33, 100 or 300 knots.  The smaller prayer rope is sometimes worn as a bracelet, which would be a wonderful reminder to pray during the day.  

The Jesus Prayer

In today's gospel from Luke, the Tax Collector utters the most beautiful and heart felt prayer in the midst of his feelings of inadequacy in the Presence of God--

Oh God, be merciful to me, a sinner. 

This prayer forms the basis of the Jesus Prayer which is said by Eastern Christians.  The practice uses the Holy Name of Jesus, which is very powerful, to begin this prayer of the heart, and is said continually throughout the day to fulfill St. Paul's admonition to pray without ceasing.  

Practice

Some form of 

Lord Jesus Christ, 

Son of God,

have mercy on me, 

a sinner, 

is used.  It could be 

Lord Jesus Christ, 

have mercy 

on me, 

or even as simple as, 

Jesus, mercy.  

It is often said on an Orthodox prayer rope, usually with either 33, 100 or 300 knots.  The smaller prayer rope is sometimes worn as a bracelet, which would be a wonderful reminder to pray during the day.  

God's Prescription Against Anxiety

He who practices virtue and speaks honestly,
stopping his ears lest he hear of bloodshed,
closing his eyes lest he look on evil.
~Isaiah 33

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

~Philippians 4:7-8

Keep your mind pure and free from the cares of this world by focusing on Jesus Christ and His love. Keep away, as much as you can, from needless cares, stoked like a destructive fire, by the modern world.

God's Prescription Against Anxiety

He who practices virtue and speaks honestly,
stopping his ears lest he hear of bloodshed,
closing his eyes lest he look on evil.
~Isaiah 33

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

~Philippians 4:7-8

Keep your mind pure and free from the cares of this world by focusing on Jesus Christ and His love. Keep away, as much as you can, from needless cares, stoked like a destructive fire, by the modern world.

Wednesday of Holy Week--The Holy Face

Today's first reading from Isaiah shows Christ's willingness to suffer for our sake.

I gave my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who plucked my beard;
My face I did not shield
from buffets and spitting.

The responsorial psalm goes further:

For your sake I bear insult,
and shame covers my face.
I have become an outcast to my brothers,
a stranger to my mother’s sons,
because zeal for your house consumes me,
Rather they put gall in my food,
and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

The line "zeal for your house consumes me" has always touched me, especially in relation to being an "outcast to my mother's sons."  There will be times, especially now, when being a Christian will put you in direct opposition to those around you; when longing to be in the Presence of God in His house, will make you a laughing stock.  Remember that Jesus walked that road for us and before us. Our consolation *is* being in the Presence.

As always in the psalms, though, it ends praising God.

I will praise the name of God in song,
and I will glorify him with thanksgiving:
“See, you lowly ones, and be glad;
you who seek God, may your hearts revive!
For the LORD hears the poor,
and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.

Hang onto this hope. God will be praised.

Wednesday of Holy Week--The Holy Face

Today's first reading from Isaiah shows Christ's willingness to suffer for our sake.

I gave my back to those who beat me,
my cheeks to those who plucked my beard;
My face I did not shield
from buffets and spitting.

The responsorial psalm goes further:

For your sake I bear insult,
and shame covers my face.
I have become an outcast to my brothers,
a stranger to my mother’s sons,
because zeal for your house consumes me,
Rather they put gall in my food,
and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

The line "zeal for your house consumes me" has always touched me, especially in relation to being an "outcast to my mother's sons."  There will be times, especially now, when being a Christian will put you in direct opposition to those around you; when longing to be in the Presence of God in His house, will make you a laughing stock.  Remember that Jesus walked that road for us and before us. Our consolation *is* being in the Presence.

As always in the psalms, though, it ends praising God.

I will praise the name of God in song,
and I will glorify him with thanksgiving:
“See, you lowly ones, and be glad;
you who seek God, may your hearts revive!
For the LORD hears the poor,
and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.

Hang onto this hope. God will be praised.

Tuesday of Holy Week--Do Not Despair

In today's gospel, Jesus predicts the betrayal of both Judas and Peter.  The stories are parallel but differ in important points.  Judas betrays Christ and later despairs while Peter repents.  Judas does not think that God is great enough, or merciful enough to forgive him.  Peter, on the other hand, weeps for his sins, but repents and goes on to lead the Apostles and the new Church.

We see these differences symbolically in this painting by Andrea del Castagno (1423-1457)Judas is shown in dark garments sitting across the table from Jesus.  Peter, shown as the traditional wise old(er) man and future pope, sits on Jesus' right hand and John the Beloved Disciple sits on his left.

As long as we stay with Christ, we will be saved.

Let us fight against despair and always remember God's mercy is for us individually.

Tuesday of Holy Week--Do Not Despair

In today's gospel, Jesus predicts the betrayal of both Judas and Peter.  The stories are parallel but differ in important points.  Judas betrays Christ and later despairs while Peter repents.  Judas does not think that God is great enough, or merciful enough to forgive him.  Peter, on the other hand, weeps for his sins, but repents and goes on to lead the Apostles and the new Church.

We see these differences symbolically in this painting by Andrea del Castagno (1423-1457)Judas is shown in dark garments sitting across the table from Jesus.  Peter, shown as the traditional wise old(er) man and future pope, sits on Jesus' right hand and John the Beloved Disciple sits on his left.

As long as we stay with Christ, we will be saved.

Let us fight against despair and always remember God's mercy is for us individually.

Monday of Holy Week--Take Courage

Today's gospel reading is the raising of Lazarus from the dead.  St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church tells us that in this story, Jesus is shown as both God and man.  His divinity is shown by his raising Lazarus from the dead and his humanity by his weeping at the death of his friend.

The raising of Lazarus gives us hope in some very real ways.  Lazarus was a human.  Lazarus, doubtless, sinned.  But Jesus nevertheless, raised him from the dead and Jesus, our God, wept for him.

Today's psalm (27) tells us to "wait for the Lord with courage.  Be stouthearted and wait for the Lord."

Hat tip to Vivificat for the link.

Monday of Holy Week--Take Courage

Today's gospel reading is the raising of Lazarus from the dead.  St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church tells us that in this story, Jesus is shown as both God and man.  His divinity is shown by his raising Lazarus from the dead and his humanity by his weeping at the death of his friend.

The raising of Lazarus gives us hope in some very real ways.  Lazarus was a human.  Lazarus, doubtless, sinned.  But Jesus nevertheless, raised him from the dead and Jesus, our God, wept for him.

Today's psalm (27) tells us to "wait for the Lord with courage.  Be stouthearted and wait for the Lord."

Hat tip to Vivificat for the link.

He Shall Be Peace

Thus says the LORD:
You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah
too small to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel;
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient times.
He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock
by the strength of the LORD,
in the majestic name of the LORD, his God;
and they shall remain, for now his greatness
shall reach to the ends of the earth;
He shall be peace.
~Micah, Chapter 5.

He shall be peace.
Nothing else. No one else is peace--not money, not health care, not political deals made in the dark of night under promises of "change" and "openness", not a strong military, not political power, not personal control--nothing brings permanent peace, and certainly, nothing else is peace.

Jesus doesn't bring peace.   Jesus doesn't cause peace.  Jesus doesn't force peace.

Jesus is peace.

Come, Lord Jesus!!

He Shall Be Peace

Thus says the LORD:
You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah
too small to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel;
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient times.
He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock
by the strength of the LORD,
in the majestic name of the LORD, his God;
and they shall remain, for now his greatness
shall reach to the ends of the earth;
He shall be peace.
~Micah, Chapter 5.

He shall be peace.
Nothing else. No one else is peace--not money, not health care, not political deals made in the dark of night under promises of "change" and "openness", not a strong military, not political power, not personal control--nothing brings permanent peace, and certainly, nothing else is peace.

Jesus doesn't bring peace.   Jesus doesn't cause peace.  Jesus doesn't force peace.

Jesus is peace.

Come, Lord Jesus!!