Weeds and Wheat
Dear Friend,
Reading this Sunday’s Gospel text from Matthew, I couldn’t help but think of the confusing “field” of our world today. Weeds and wheat growing up all around us: how to sort it all out?
I see the “wheat” of service, outreach, and care. I see families meeting all kinds of challenges brought on by disruptions. I see a resurgence of prayer and devotion in new-formed groups and in individuals rediscovering contemplative practices with scripture and the natural world. I see my brothers harvesting vegetables from small garden plots, and visiting the homeless (at a safe distance) in their temporary shelters. Down on Los Olivos Street our Poor Clare sisters persevere with their nonstop and intense intercession on our behalf. Meanwhile, the Tuesday food distribution project from the Mission parking lot helped well over 300 households this week.
At the same time, impatience and anger are spilling over into heated conversations about the enforcement of safety measures. Hospitals are taking in more patients, even as ministers to the sick are held back from an open schedule of assistance. People are hungry to gather in person, just to share a hug! Sheltering in place is cramping people and awakening the demons of isolation and separation.
This is the kind of thing (a.k.a. weeds) that the workers in Sunday’s Gospel want to “go and pull up.” Wisely, they seek out the owner’s permission before doing so.
Matthew was writing his Gospel at a time of outright confusion as the newborn church foundered in its search for direction. St. Paul points to the same struggle; the work of the Spirit is slow, accompanied by “inexpressible groanings!” The Master calls for patience and a pause. The Book of Wisdom is unequivocal: God’s in charge. Infused with service, God’s work, and our own conversion, a field of crisis becomes the fertile “ground of hope.”
Gratefully,
Fr. Dan ofm, Pastor