by Therese Sherlock, CSJ
Weeding presumes one knows which green stem to pull up. It calls for experience and judgment to say nothing of a deft hand and enough time to be super careful. The parable in Sunday’s gospel recommends not weeding at all rather than pulling out the wheat with the weeds.
Most parents caution us not to weed out people in our lives. When I came home complaining about someone, my mom usually said, “They are doing the best they can.” My dad often thought people didn’t know any better. “They are just ignorant,” he’d say. Sometimes I heard the invitation to walk in someone else’s shoes. “You don’t know what his/her life is like.”
Pope Francis is famous for his comment, “Who am I to judge?” Now in Amoris Laetitia, his report on the family synod, he is becoming well known for giving people time for grace and growth in their messy lives.
I have a vivid memory of a sister in my novitiate class dueling bible quotes with the young priest teaching us scripture. Sister Jude grew up Baptist and knew her scripture. Father opined that very few people would actually get to heaven. Sister Jude rose up in her seat to proclaim, “The Lord’s mercies are great and his compassion extends to all.”
The priest countered, “Many are called but few are chosen.” Sister Jude shot back, “The bruised reed God will not break nor snuff the dim wick.” The priest countered again, “The way to heaven is narrow and few are they that tread thereon.”
Sister Jude took one more stand for mercy before running from the room. We found her later in the coat closet. I’m not sure she ever went back to that class. Her defense of God’s mercy helps me remember not to let messages of judgment rather than the balm of mercy take over my consciousness.
- How seriously do you take the message that God loves you, and you can still grow?