We hear a
very short two-verse reading from the prophet Isaiah today. Sometimes
Holy Scripture can say a lot in just a few words. We hear
from Isaiah often in the seasons of preparation of Lent and Advent, since
Isaiah’s prophecies often foreshadow events that will later occur in the life
of Jesus. Our state of Mississippi is known for its rich farmland, especially the region of the Mississippi Delta. I had a
lot of farmers in my parishes when I served in the towns of Belzoni and Yazoo
City as a priest, and I have some farmers here in my parish in Tupelo as well. Our
analogy today in Isaiah is about how the snow and the rain hit the soil so that
the seeds and grains will burst forth in the fields, producing bread for those
who are hungry. God’s word
is supposed to do the same in our lives. It is not
supposed to return to God empty and without bearing fruit, but rather, God’s
word is to accomplish the purpose for which he sent it to earth.
What
purpose does God have for us this Lenten season? That’s a good question, isn’t it? The peace
prayer of St Francis of Assisi pleads: “Lord help me not to be understood, but
rather to understand.” Yes, Lord,
help us to understand how your Holy Word is calling out to us this Holy Season
of Lent. As we
follow our Lenten devotions and practices, God is planting seeds in our lives. Just as we
are hoping for a good planting season and harvest for our farmers this year
here in Mississippi, let us hope for a good Lenten season for us, a season that
will produce a bountiful harvest in our own lives.
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