Thin Places
Matthew 13:31-32, 35b "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches." "I will speak to you in parables. I will explain things hidden since the creation of the world."
Peter Gomes writes: There is in Celtic mythology the notion of ‘thin places’ where the visible and invisible world come into their closest proximity—where God and human beings are most intimately present to each other—at times of suffering, joy, death, birth, or even mystery. I love that image. It strengthens the fact that God is ever present in our lives.
Jesus’ parables touch on the places where two dimensions rub together. It’s easy to focus on the mustard seed, yet it is critical to remember it was a person who did the small act of planting the seed. Jesus is saying that such a small act has great consequences. Part of the mystery is that the seed carries an unapparent future with it; a future which depends on the small act of a human. That is the way of God’s kingdom.
In a mysterious way, God uses us to be bearers of comfort and hope to one another. That makes each of us one of those thin places where the visible and invisible worlds rub against each other. That is what it means that we have a spirit, a soul, and that we are made in God’s image.
You can’t imagine how large that field of bushes and trees you have planted has become. But that’s OK. It’s all done to God’s glory and you have been graced to be a part of it. Evidently God has a tremendous trust in your ability and desire to do those small acts of charity and love.
Inspired by Ted Loder The Haunt of Grace