The scripture readings for the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 17, 2012), speak to us of:
- a cedar tree planted on a high and lofty mountain, sheltering birds of every kind (Ez 17:22-4)
- not feeling quite at home while away from the Lord (2 Cor 5:6-10)
- In the Gospel (Mk 4:26-34) the smallest of seeds becomes a large bush providing shade.
In each case we are reminded of a need for shelter and safety. We can imagine being home, in the shade, sheltered from the sun and at rest. Even in our best of moments we may feel as if we don't quite belong. We long for a place where we would be at home; know and reveal our true selves; and feel competely accepted.
C.S. Lewis writes that the presence of thirst implies the existence of water. We live in the hope that our longing for "home" will be met. Our longing implies that we are home-bound. This is the promise of the scriptures. When we ask: "Are we there yet." we would do well to remember the answer our parents gave us: "Not yet, just relax and enjoy the trip. We will get there."
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