Jesus is going through the grainfields on the Sabbath with his disciples, and eating some of the heads of grain. Luke 6 says that the Pharisees are upset by them breaking the law of the Sabbath to which Jesus responds that the Son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath. This reading spoke to me as I drove through the prairie landscapes, watching farmers on the fields in their machinery. I love the prairies–they calm me. I try to imagine Jesus walking through the fields plucking the heads of grain and sharing them with his disciples. I can hear them laughing and talking. They are one, friends and partners on the journey.

As I arrived this afternoon at a friend’s pop-up art market in the country, I breathed in the country air. My eyes lingered on the fields. I often think of my farm-boy father at moments like this, wondering what life was like living on the land. Country folks are one too–friends and partners of the earth.

Within minutes of arriving, I heard my friend’s accordion, wafting over the yard. I could not yet see her but I knew she was there. I ended up feeling as if I were at a party. I knew several of the artists involved and had not seen them in months. I also bumped into other visitors whom I had not seen in a long while. I had to leave the hectic city to find my folks among the grainfields. Good conversations ensued. Sometimes Sabbaths come unexpectedly. I am glad for this.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

What place brings you rest?

What do you imagine Jesus’ interactions to be like with his disciples?