Proper 6 2015

Proper 6 2015

At my house we get a kick out of documentaries about animals, space, science—and a bunch of others. That’s probably no surprise to you, being that I’m such a big nerd…

Anyway, we watched a series from the BBC called “How to Grow a Planet,” and it explored how plants and plant life were not only responsible for directing the evolution of many animals (including humans), but were also essential for the development of an oxygen rich atmosphere—allowing for the diversity of life we experience now.

As Iain Stewart (the host of the series) explains; it’s because of their ability to produce multiple generations over a short time, in a number of environments, which allows them to adapt so quickly. But, it is this very same need for generation (and reproduction) that directs their adaptability.

So, while many plants developed ways of reproduction that make use of things like wind and water to carry the elements of reproduction (even a variety of types of seeds)—there are still other plants which developed ways to make use of other means: effectively animals.

Now, of course, we’re familiar with bees, and other insects carrying pollen from flower to flower—but, what we may not realize is that plants developed things like flowers and nectar and pollen to attract such insects to aid in their reproduction. Some plants have even developed specific flower shapes, colors, and aromas to either draw or discourage certain insects.

Still others, however, even developed fruits or vegetables which could be eaten by different animal species—and, in turn, the plant seeds (which are housed in these fruits and vegetables) are then “deposited (shall we say)” to start a new generation of the parent plant.

But, of course, it’s not only the plants that make adjustments—but the animal life around them change as well. Birds develop special beaks and tongues to extract nectar. Bees develop fur on their bodies which can hold both nectar and pollen. Some animals develop strong jaws to break the shells of tree nuts…and, of course everything from bananas and monkeys; trees and giraffes; plants and animals have developed to complement one another for their mutual survival. In other words, life develops a symbiotic relationship, and many plant species have affected a variety of changes in animal life through this on-going relationship.

However, this is to say that while these plant species need “workers” or “helpers” to aid in their reproduction—obviously, this isn’t a completely thankless relationship. After all, animals get food (or the raw ingredients to make food, like bees for honey). And, what’s more, we find that some animal species even develop culture and societies around plants and food, partly because these fruits and vegetables have even become essential to a healthy diet. We see it with bees—but we also know that farming and agriculture marked a complete shift in human society.

Plants need us to continue life, and we need plants to sustain ours.

Now, I’m not sure that all of this was what Jesus had in mind with his parable in our Gospel reading today. But, I do think such considerations can add a number of dimensions to this parable.

He says that the Kingdom of God is like someone scattering seed, and over time the seed sprouts and grows—and it’s a mystery, we don’t know how it happens. First the stalk grows, then the head, and then the full grain in the head. When this is ripe, the grain is harvested.

Jesus continues by saying that the Kingdom of God can be compared to a mustard seed, which he says is the smallest of the seeds on the earth. When it is planted, it grows into a shrub with large branches, which become the home of birds.

When we consider the first parable about the grain, we can assume that the ground is cultivated, because we know that the seeds are planted by someone. And, day after day, the miracle and mystery of growth occurs—whether we understand how that happens or not, it’s still impressive. What is also impressive is that in this process we see the miracle of regeneration through seeds; and how humanity cultivates and grows such things for a purpose beyond simply continuing the life cycle of this particular species of plant. It’s literally a matter of life and livelihood for both the plan and humanity.

The produce then is not only the grain and the seed, but it is also sustenance for us, and a way of continuing the life cycle of the plant.

In the same way, the parable of the mustard seed is also interesting. Jesus explains that it is a very small seed—almost insignificant; and yet, it grows into a shrub that can become home to birds. This particular seed, then, not only grows into an important herb—but, as Jesus says, it becomes a home for birds. So, here again, we can see the relationship to the plants and animals—people cultivate mustard seeds, but I’d imagine that birds are also responsible for carrying and depositing these seeds, as well. And while sustenance is certainly a factor with regard to the mustard seed—it would seem that Jesus sees more importance in its ability to offer shelter.

So, if we were to pull all of this stuff together to get a picture of the connection and comparison between grain and mustard seeds to the Kingdom of God; I suppose we could say that the Kingdom of God is a place where we find shelter and sustenance…

But, I don’t think we have to stop there, either; because, we really don’t fully understand how the Kingdom of God can be both already at hand—and, at the same time, ‘not yet here.’ It’s a little difficult to understand how this Kingdom grows… Growth, in this case, is not necessarily about numbers in churches. It’s not about popularity, exposure, image, or even programs that attract a certain demographic. If anything, the Kingdom of God seems to resist such things.

However, what the Kingdom does offer is sustenance. We’re given the promises of new and eternal life…resurrection. We’re offered forgiveness of sins, reconciliation, and an alternative to the destructive rat race of the world. We’re even given hope that things won’t always be as difficult as they seem right now—that life for us, or others in the world doesn’t have to be about pain or suffering or fear. Instead, we’re offered a vision of what humanity, and the rest of the world will be in God’s redemptive time.

The Kingdom of God, likewise promises shelter. In this life we’re offered community; purpose for our lives; even a vision for a fuller, more healthy and integrated life. More importantly, we’re offered love—the love of a faith community, and the opportunity to realize and experience the love of God.

Beyond this, we’re offered a home in the next life. In this we’re given the promise that life doesn’t end by our death, but is instead our transition to a place of rest and truer life.

And yet, while all of that stuff about plants and their effect on the evolution of animal species wasn’t likely part of what Jesus was getting at in his parables…I still believe that all of it brings an important dimension to light about the Kingdom of God. Because, it seems to me that while the Kingdom of God grows and produces mysteriously… While we may even say that the Kingdom of God offers both sustenance and shelter… What we also have to consider is that the Kingdom of God also relies upon all of us to continue its growth and cultivation.

In other words, our lives of faith are not simply about how we are fed, or how we are sheltered. In fact, we know from another parable that the shepherd will leave the 99 sheep to recover the one which is lost… So, I think it’s vitally important that we understand that all of the benefits of our faith, and our citizenship in the Kingdom of God is not something to be miserly about. Instead, we’re called to be extravagant in sharing the fruits of this Kingdom through our lives, through our interactions with others. And we’re not to behave as if we want our faith to be some well-kept secret, either…this shelter that we’ve been given (this promise of home) is not something exclusive. We’re supposed to be about inviting others to experience it, and find a home for their hearts, right along with us, in the Kingdom.

The point is, the miracle of all of this is not so much the growth from a seed; the produce that sustains us; or even the immensity of the shelter that can be birthed from such a humble seed… The miracle is that God entrusts us with the responsibility to cultivate the Kingdom—to continue to receive and be sustained by the life-giving food from the Kingdom of God, but then to go out, and plant the seeds that will allow the Kingdom of God to flourish, and continue to be the sustenance and shelter for generations to come…