Good Thorns Choking the Vines - May 6

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 80; PM Psalm 77, [79]; Lev. 25:35-55; Col. 1:9-14; Matt. 13:1-16

Last Friday, a letter from my son’s school arrived in our mailbox, a full schedule of his classes next year.  He will be moving into Junior High where coursework becomes more difficult.  He has decided to add a period to his day that he can also participate in band. He also wants to run track, compete on a robotics team, and is committed to playing competitive soccer again.  Anne and I looked at the schedule and found ourselves wondering just what will give in the fall.  When will homework happen?  Will Jack ever again get a good night’s sleep?  Are we letting our children put too much pressure on themselves?  These were just a few of the questions we were asking. 

Today’s Gospel is the parable of the sower, where the sower scatters seeds all over the place including ground where thorns grow up and choke the vines, keeping the vines from reaching their full potential.  I wonder sometimes if the thorns in this parable could be good things that require lots of attention choking up all of the available free time and space to grow.  My children certainly don’t know how to be bored, and that’s a little concerning. 

I don’t have answers, and both Anne and I know we are not the only people struggling with this reality.  It seems to be more and more prevalent in our own community.  And it’s why we need the wisdom of our faith tradition to help us make challenging decisions and prioritize our lives.  This is faithful and holy discernment and we’ve got work to do.  And if you feel the same way, know that you are not alone.

Faithfully,

John+

Questions for Self-Reflection:  Where can I create more space to grow in the person God is calling me to be?