Weeds and Seeds
There is a startling parable in today’s gospel,* valuing weeds and seeds. It follows the parable of the Good Sower, also about seeds, but with more focus on the soil, the ground that does or does not help the seeds take root. But in this second story, Jesus is clear about the good seeds and […]
Good Soil
I remember driving through the countryside in Ireland (oh, to travel to beautiful faraway places again…) and seeing field after field of tilled earth. The rich black soil was studded by white and gray stones, but the biggest rocks had been rolled to the edges and formed into fences and barriers, neatly demarcating the squares. […]
Hidden Things
There is an old Chinese story about a poor farmer whose father died in a faraway land. His neighbors called it bad luck. But the farmer said, “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?” With the inheritance, the farmer bought a large property with a great mansion. The neighbors called it good luck. The farmer replies, […]
Jesus in Disguise
A story circulates about Mother Teresa, who, it is said, replied to the question “How do you stand it when you have to serve some truly despicable person?” with sigh, saying, “I look deeply into their eyes and say to myself, “My Jesus, what an interesting disguise you are wearing today.” Many years ago, I […]