Weeds in a Weary World
If you have ever tended a garden, you will know only too well about pulling weeds. The first challenge is to identify what the weeds look like, and this is not always easy. As we know, “weeds” are simply plants that you do not wish to have in your garden. Dandelions, for example are the scourge of people who wish to cultivate pristine lawns, while others may harvest the leaves for salads, or make wine with the plants. A field of yellow dandelions is also a sight to behold, and who doesn’t remember as a child “telling the time”, by blowing on a dandelion flower which has gone to seed? The main problem with weeds is that they tend to become invasive and crowd out other desirable plants.
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us to “Seek first God’s kingdom” (6:33). The Message puts it this way, “Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” I know I’ll never get it completely right, but even the process of taking stock is a good first step.
PRAYER of Saint Augustine of Hippo
You have made us for yourself, O Lord,
And our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.
