In today’s First Reading from 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, we read that the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Tonight I am incredibly tired.  My mind is on several families who are facing hard times.  In the morning, I will be at a funeral and tonight at a social gathering all of us felt the heaviness of the loss.  However, my mind turns to the beautiful lives of each of these people and the beautiful sowing they have done with their lives.

Last night I called a man who was not at my father’s funeral.  I suspected that Dad’s death had hit him hard.   As we talked and shared stories, I felt his complete devastation at losing his dear friend.  He could not imagine the neighbourhood without my father.  He was like the King of Kensington, the young man said, but of our area.  His stories continued: People would honk as they drove by the house to greet him. Dogs would come bounding up for a treat.  The kids would fly out of the house when they realized that he had come by on his scooter for a visit.  He had been completely shell-shocked at the sudden death. Dad was ever the farmer and had planted a crop of kindness and goodness that people will reap for years to come.

The life we create matters.  The acts of kindness that we do change hearts and lives.  We have absolutely no idea how much the final crop will yield. Is that not the joy of a humble spirit who is greeted by the Lord with a well-done, good and faithful servant? Is that not the reason we weep for our loss? We have choices–some of us learn this at an early age.  Some of us never do.  The length of days we are given is not the determining factor.  Some children are a blessing from an early age.  Others have to work really hard to be generous and loving.  I hope that I will make my farmer-Dad proud when my days come to an end.  More importantly, I hope that the Reaper-of-the-Crop is pleased with the yield.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

What crop are you planting in life?

How many lives are touched by yours?

Prayer

Reaper-of-the-Bounty, may my life yield a crop worthy of all that I have been given.  May I scatter the seeds far and wide and water them well.  May I not sow sparingly out of fear or selfishness. May I share abundantly every good gift given. Multiply the seeds and increase the harvest for your great glory. Amen.