There is an appointed time for everything

     There is an appointed time for everything.

                                                Ecclesiastes 1a

Our gospel over the next two weeks comes from the thirteenth chapter of the gospel of Matthew.  The entire chapter consists of four parables.  Today, we hear the first: The Parable of the Sower.   

I've chosen the song Parable, by M.D ridge as our gathering song both this week and next.  It will create a connection between the weeks and allow you to become familiar with this very beautiful composition.  

The verses of the song speak directly to the parable of the sower.  The verses come from a familiar scripture from the Book of Ecclesiastes that we will not hear today. 

Consider the idea of everything in God's time when you hear each of today's readings proclaimed.  Think of how long a seed remains dormant in the ground before a sprout appears.  Remember that Isaiah was writing to a people who had been held captive for generations and Paul to a Christian community who thought that the second coming of Christ would occur during their lifetime but  instead faced persecution.

My hope is that these reflections and the words and music of Parable will be like the rain and snow that creates a fertile place for the Word of God for you today.

                                                            ***

This would be a great time to suggest Parable as an appropriate song for funeral liturgies.  I often add it when people choose Ecclesiastes 3 as one of the scripture readings.

Blessed to be serving at St. Mary's,

Bruce