Dearly Beloved,
I write this in advance of being away for a week. I hope I'll see you Sunday when we welcome our Summer Interim Delaney Beh (they/them) to worship and preach for us. I'm looking forward to getting to know them better!
I've been reading through our Lenten devotional this season, and was struck by some of the reflections on Luke 13:6-9 by Rev. Jeff Chu who writes:
"Faith waiting doesn't mean doing nothing: the gardener waters, weeds, and fertilizes. And modern science is teaching us what happens in the meantime. Contrary to the peevish vineyard owner's assertion, nothing is wasted. Down below, the fig tree isn't just gathering strength; it's also building relationships. Soil borne fungi are finding home in its roots, boosting the tree's capacity to resist disease and take in nutrients. In return the tree feeds the fungi.
"Perhaps this parable is better read as a gentle rebuke against those of us who are all too comfortable with our on-demand instant-gratification culture -- and who believe the lie that we can control more than we actually do. Perhaps, too, this parable was a word that Jesus needed to preach to his very human self. After all, he's the one who, in Matthew and Mark, curses a fig tree for failing to give him fruit when he wants it (Matthew 21:19, Mark 11:13-14).
"Perhaps this is our invitation: Slow down. Do your part. Remember the promise. Whether asparagus or fig, the harvest will come.
Reflect: "In your own life, what do you need more of: rest or growth, or a little of both?"
I'm so very grateful for this week of rest and growth for me and my chosen family -- my children, my best friend and her partner and children, my aunt who's traveled from a distance to be with us. I hope and pray that you may find rest and growth for you in this season as well.
Holding you each in love and peace,
Thandiwe
