Scripture
He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is
like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is
the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the
greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air
come and make nests in its branches.”—Matthew
13:31–32
Reflection
One intriguing Zen practice is using the Koan. A Koan is a statement,
story, or question that is meant to enhance meditation by placing before
the practitioner a question that cannot be solved rationally. While many
view this as a waste of time, in reality, the response sought is a
many-layered response that changes with time, place, and experience. This
time, you may respond to the challenge with a poem. Another time you may
respond to the same challenge with a story or even a word. It does not
matter. What matters is that it assists you in giving place to some new
understanding.
Much of Jesus’ teaching was in parables. The parables could be
considered the equivalent of a Koan. Each time we study Jesus’ parables,
we may see something new because between readings, we have changed, the
church has changed, and the world has changed. The rich blessing of
scripture is that it continues to speak to us all of our days. Our
responses to scripture are multi-layered based on time, place, and
experience, just like the Koan. Our understanding is organic—impacted by
the events in the world, the church, and our lives. Each time we read the
parables, we can emerge with new ideas and insights. We are lifelong
learners, seeking growth in our understandings.
Action
Offer a short prayer for understanding to establish your intention for
this meditation. Contemplate the parable of the mustard seed for five
minutes (Matthew 13:31–32). Don’t analyze it. Just read it through, and
then sit quietly—letting it roll through your mind. Let feelings,
pictures, words, and other stories come to the surface of your mind. At
the end of the five minutes, write down your thoughts. There is no one
correct understanding or right answer.
Prayer
When faced with questions that seemingly have no resolution, pray for
growth in your understanding. Ask for a similar blessing for the World
Conference as we discern God’s will together. |
