Good morning…
Through the words of Henri Nouwen in his 3.19.16 daily meditation, it feels like God is sitting right in the midst of our confused, heartbroken community, answering a question burdening our minds and hearts. We are struggling to make sense of the shocking deaths of three well loved people in the past three weeks, a mom of four, a dad and husband, and a teenage boy with such positive potential.
God through Nouwen says, “Some people live long lives, some die very young. Is a long life better than a short life? What truly counts is not the length of our lives but their quality. Jesus was in his early thirties when he was killed. Thèrése de Lisieux was in her twenties when she died. Anne Frank was a teenager when she lost her life. But their short lives continue to bear fruit long after their deaths. A long life is a blessing when it is well lived and leads to gratitude, wisdom, and sanctity. But some people can live truly full lives even when their years are few. As we see so many young people die of cancer and AIDS (and I would add suicide and addiction) let us do everything possible to show our friends that, though their lives may be short, they are of infinite value.”
Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. “What a huge harvest!” he said to his disciples. “How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!” Matthew 9:35-38 (MSG).
Along with harvest hands, may God grow in us life-giving harvest words, harvest hugs, harvest love of infinite value,
Sue
