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Sermon July 26, 2020
The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers,
The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen’s
Eighth Sunday After Pentecost, Proper 12, Year A, Track 2
http://lectionarypage.net/YearA_RCL/Pentecost/AProp12_RCL.html
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32
Whenever I read this parable of Jesus, I immediately remember the necklace my mother had. The chain was short and gold. Hanging on the chain was a small, clear orb with a mustard seed inside it. It was a reminder of the power of faith and I’d say action that begins as small as a mustard seed.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us about the kingdom of heaven. He says it is like a mustard seed that when planted, grows into a great shrub that supports and shelters life.
During these times, this image is comforting, I think. We long for the kingdom of heaven to be here on earth. We long for the reign of God’s love and justice. We long for the eradication of poverty, racism, and all the violence that keeps us apart from each other and from all of God’s creation. Yet, the task feels overwhelming, doesn’t it?
Where do we start? How do we begin? Will our actions make any measureable difference? Will what we do manifest the kingdom of heaven in any part?
Then comes this image from Jesus. A small seed planted in the right conditions grows into a great tree that shelters and support life. When we get overwhelmed, we can step back and take comfort in planting the smallest of seeds.
I’m sure some of you who are teachers have seen this. You’ve watched the students you’ve taught grow up. You’ve seen the contributions they have made to our communities. I’m sure sometimes you have been surprised. I’m sure many have told you how much you taught them.
Right now we are collecting school supplies, which will be distributed to students in Perry County through Join Hands. Last year over 400 students were helped. Three hundred students received haircuts and many received new shoes. We haven’t been there when the students arrived to pick out their supplies. We do not see how they grow and flourish throughout the school year. Yet, we continue to sow the small mustard seed of the kingdom of heaven.
Recently, we agreed to support a child or family who will be released from an immigration detention center. We still do not know what will happen. A judge originally said the children needed to be released by July 17; however, the date was extended to July 27. Another judge ruled that the adult family members did not need to be released with the children. So while the Covid-19 pandemic is infecting many of the people in these detention centers, the adults are having to make the difficult choice of whether to be separated from their children.
And we planted a small mustard seed in even offering to support a child or family.
The yard we are sitting in today is a place of sowing mustard seeds. On Thursday, the Newport Anti-Racism League (NARL) had its third meeting here. NARL will sponsor outdoor movie nights in August, September and possibly October, showing movies and having discussions about how to address racism in our community.
Our garden is a safe meeting/working space for people of all ages in Newport, who come to plant and harvest. We have contributed over 500 pounds of produce to the Perry County Food Bank. I’m sure you’ve seen the commercials or read the articles about the need for good, fresh food for people at this time.
And of course, we meet here today for worship. The space is cool and beautiful.
Together, we are sowing the seeds of the kingdom of heaven. We do not always have the opportunity to see the large tree that grows and the many people and creatures who are sheltered and supported. And we go on sowing the seeds.
Amen.
