Dear Doubters,
Fr. Christopher asked if I would do the weekly reflection this first week of his well-deserved vacation. And now that I have had a chance to look at the Gospel reading, I suspect he may wish he had done this himself – such rich rich imagery!
From Matthew’s Gospel: The Kingdom of Heaven is like a tiny insignificant little seed. Or a small bit of yeast that leavens. But what happens when that little seed is planted? Or the yeast mixed in a whole lot of flour? Huge results can happen – trees large enough for birds to nest in. Or three loaves of homemade bread! In other words, the Kingdom of Heaven APPEARS to be something small and insignificant – but oh what it can accomplish!
I think Matthew’s message is we don’t really see the King of Heaven initially – when it’s like a tiny seed or a bit of yeast. We have to see the RESULTS of that tiny seed being planted and nurtured. Or smell that fresh bread when it comes out of the oven. Does the Kingdom of Heaven have to be an extraordinary place in an extraordinary time? Or can it happen here, right now, in this place with you, God’s very special Doubters?
A couple of weeks ago I wrote to you about an opportunity for us Doubters to be that tiny mustard seed or small bit of leaven for a group of exceptional volunteers who are bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to hungry people in Mesquite.
These volunteers are bringing hope and help to those in need in Mesquite – they turn no one away. When their clients drive away with food for their families, knowing their kids are not going to be hungry tonight, I can well imagine they truly do feel that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand because God is working through these volunteers. In turn I am hoping you will join me in bringing a little bit of that Kingdom to the volunteers by helping to bring them a nourishing meal too. By this small, seemingly insignificant act we can let them know that God’s hand is working through the folks who gather together at the corner of Inwood and Mockingbird every week – either virtually or in person – and who accept the challenge to seek and serve Christ in every human being.
If you would like to help, please email me at vfholleman@icloud.com. I will be taking lunch on Friday, July 31. I will take care of the sandwiches but if you would like to provide any of the following I will be grateful – just let me know so I don’t duplicate your gift! If you would like to help take lunch to Mesquite on Friday, that would be great too!
This is what we still need – all for 75 lunches:
- Fruit that can be peeled – Cutie oranges or bananas (not green!)
- Bottles of Water
Cookies and Chips have already been donated. And I have ordered the sandwiches to be picked up next Friday (31st). If you would like to help off-set the cost of the sandwiches, you can make a donation to Fr. Christopher’s Ministry Fund and write in the Memo Line “Lunch for Inspired Vision Compassion Center.”
Faithfully,
Virginia+
