Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Pentecost +11 – Year A

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Apparently it takes training to be able to have a variety of appropriate and helpful responses to the infinity of situations in which we find ourselves.

Without such training we find ourselves compulsively repeating the same response and behavior in diverse and contradictory scenarios.

G*D's Presence is not quantifiable. It is not consistent. It is not uniform. It is not predictable. It is not controllable. It isn't this or that. . . .

So what is this mysterious presence? It is what is needed in the moment. Worry not about what you will say when accused, words sufficient for the day will be available. Worry not about adding (or subtracting) an inch from your waist or a hair on your head, the body is sufficient for its image. It is old and new - in no particular order.

"Are you starting to get a handle on all this?" (The Message, asks.)

To go much deeper into each picture of G*D's Presence will be to dissect the life from it.

Sit back, unfocus your eyes from the cascade of images and from your own life.

Now let G*D's Presence and Your Presence begin to spin gear-like until there is a meshing at some point. Note a need revealed and resources available to address such a need. Rejoice. Come back tomorrow to repeat this process without expectation of it being a similar need/resource combination (though, of course, it may well be). Again, rejoice. And so goes one's training. Halleluiah!