From Managers to Producers

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

It is estimated that in the course of just one day, the average human being receives over a thousand images, words and ideas, all in just one day. From the moment we wake up to the moment we shut our eyes so much comes at us each day, so much that we perceive. As a result, we spend much of our lives responding, reacting, dealing with what comes at us, from the outside.

We are managers, managing the variables of life, family, work, finances, etc. Thanks be to God, life is not just one way; there's more to life than what comes at us from the outside. Life is really a two way street and while that may seem far more complicated, it is indeed Good News, Hopeful News. News that demands our attention.

For you see, Life is more than what comes at us. Life also includes what comes forth from us, and what a wonderful difference that makes, what a wonderful difference our choices, our actions can make on our lives and the lives of others.

While it is true that we may spend much time managing life, we are not just managers, we are called to be producers. Today, we are invited to consider: What is my life producing? What's coming forth from my life? What's the tone, the fruit, the quality of love coming forth from my life? Did you ever ask yourself that question? It's worthy of some thought.

Our readings today offer us hope. We are reminded that Yes, we are good, the Lord has chosen us, he loved us. There is in human nature, an innate goodness in us, we are a fertile field. And we are called to bear fruit. We are called not to subtract from or add to God's law, just receive the gift of His Law, His Word. No need for managing or manipulation, only reception.

St. Paul tells us, "Humbly welcome the Word that has been planted within you and it's power to save your souls." God's Word has power, we must not stifle it. Thus, we are called to welcome the word of God and then the fruit will come.

At times in today's world, we are tempted to focus on all the problems that are outside of us, and that in itself is a problem. We must therefore, cultivate the goodness that lies within us.

Allow me to offer you the following reflection, and let us ask ourselves this week, what is the garden of my life producing? In the garden of happiness, we must:

First Plant Five rows of peas:

Prayer, Perseverance, Politeness, Promptness, Purity

Next plant three rows of squash:

Squash gossip, Squash criticism, Squash indifference

Then Five Rows of Lettuce:

Let us be faithful to duty
Let us be unselfish
Let us be truthful
Let us follow Christ
Let us love one another

No Garden is Complete Without Turnips:

Turn up for Church
Turn up with a smile
Turn up with new ideas
Turn up with determination to make everything count for something good and worthwhile.

Let's plant well, and allow the gifts that lie within each one of us to come forth and bear abundant fruit.