The mystery unfolds gradually

 

    This Sunday’s readings of the cedar tree from Ezekiel, which when cut down and planted on the heights, then withers, still blooms again, and Mark’s parable of the mustard seed, too small, but grows big enough for the birds of the air to build their nests in its branches, stirred many stories for me. 

    I grew up in a family of farmers.  Dad’s father dreamt of having a farm early in his life, starting the poultry business in his yard and basement immediately after marriage, and became an avid flower and vegetable gardener as well.  Mother’s dad started a farm early on with cows, pigs and large fields of hay to cut and bail.  We all learnt the importance of patience and waiting for the crops and animals to grow and become productive, and then we worked together to prepare them and move them to the customers.

    First of all, todays date, June 16, was a very special day in the life of my family.  It was 112 years ago today that my TEWES grandparents got married, then 85 years ago so did my parents, then, 76 years ago one aunt, and 72 years ago the other of dad’s sisters.  So, this was a day when the TEWES clan celebrated.  We all gathered for Mass, as my mother had organized, then to our farm for a family photo and a big picnic dinner, complete with mother’s fried chicken.  Every year the photo got larger and larger.  If we were still able to meet that would include some 425 persons today.  (My mother’s family would be another whole story.)  Notice how long it took for that large family tree to grow, and is still growing.

    In 1937 our monastery building was completed.  And 8 young oak trees were planted in the front yard.  Over these many years they grew to be very tall sturdy oaks, weathered many storms, and finally became too unsafe to walk or park under.  So, 82 years later they were taken down leaving a whole in our hearts as well as in the view of our monastery.  By Dec. 7, 2019 a grove of 18 young trees were planted to fill up the front yard.  They are a joy to watch day after day.

    There are moments when we are powerless to do anything more than plant whatever seed we have, then go on, sleeping and rising, night and day.

    Mary M. McGlone reminds us that “as we enter into these summer months, hoping that this is the end of COVID-19, the liturgy invites us to imitate the farmer of Jesus’ parable and watch for the wonders God is working - hidden in plain sight.  We can no more predict what the harvest will be than we can cause its growth.  This is how it is with the kingdom of God.”   We are confident and full of hope, for the reign is not just our project – it is God’s.  As Ezekiel says with such power; “As I, the Holy One, have spoken, so will I do.”  But it is our project too, God creating in and through us.  So, we need to nurture and support one another, to accept our own gifts, to live the Gospel as faithful community.  Our ordinary lives of love, joy, patience, goodness, gentleness – make a difference!  So, we can say, “We will do it!”

                 
  Sr. Mary Tewes, OSB