Pondering for Sunday, June 16, 2024

The Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 6: Year B

Mark 4:26-34

“He, (Jesus) also said, ‘With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.’ (Mark 4:30 to 32).

When I was young, in my early teens, my dad saw the type of young boys I hung around with and he did not approve of them. Rather than tell me simply not to continue to be with them he said to me, “you know son, water seeks its own level.” It struck me curious at first. But I learned that when water is added to a multiport system, the water will level out as does the seas of the earth until all of it is at the same height. So it was with my so-called friends and me. I will only grow to the point of our combined limitations.  I thought, perhaps I should find more elevated friends. Thanks Dad.

Today is Father’s Day. I miss my dad. He was a truck driver from Chattanooga, Tennessee, of humble beginnings but of great compassion. He worked with my mom to maintain a home where we took in other children who were left without parents. We called them cousins, but truthfully, they just needed a home and dad “put forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools including St. Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina.

As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John

Let us pray:

Most Holy Lord Jesus, who taught us through parables and stories about faith and understanding, teach us still, to learn from holy writings how to best work and best agree. Enable us to find faithful fellowship and thrive in true love. In your Name Lord Jesus we pray: Amen.