Homilies
Love the weeds...
Holy Spirit take my words and speak to each of us according to our need.
Today, I have a question for you. Don’t worry, it’s a rhetorical one, but consider this…What is a weed? You see many gardeners dislike weeds because they are not wanted, but actually the reality is subtly different. They are not wanted, not because are less or inferior, but because they are growing in the wrong place. Each plant that is considered to be a weed, a dandelion for example, has its own identity; valid in its own right and under the right conditions can flourish and be both useful and beautiful but they are often judged by the environment in which they are found and their acceptance or worth comes from the perspective of others; Often those who think they know better and lack empathy and compassion or as Jesus refers to them – those who are hard of heart.
Now imagine being a person who is treated like a weed…rejected because of an aspect of your identity which doesn’t fit with the narrative of the people around you. Many things are used as reasons for rejection, but most commonly race, religion, gender and sexual identity feature heavily along with associated things such as language, status and appearance. In the news, we see this in the stories of refugees, asylum seekers, the traveler communities, and LGBTQIA+ peoples. Many face rejection, brutality and hostility and are treated as second class citizens at a time when they are vulnerable and in need.
The reading today, at first glance seems to be an outright statement admonishing a specific group within society who had been subject to divorce. The teaching appears robust and clearcut but once again situating the text in its context of that time is vital. At the time, the prevalent culture had found a legal loophole which allowed a no-fault divorce to be issued without question. Marriage had become convenient and disposable instead of a considered commitment. Mark’s severe teaching regarding divorce was speaking directly to that situation in that context. Jesus’ response was to remind people that in becoming so focussed on the minute details of the law, as interpreted and imposed by the Pharisees, they were missing the original calling of marriage; a gift from God to humans as part of his plan for us- reconciliation, relationship and love.
This specific example serves to show the radical inclusion that Jesus came to teach. One that is accepting of our broken nature. The law had been interpreted so meticulously by the Pharisees that more and more rules were put in place. Ultimately they were so prescriptive that no one could live up to them.
Trying to live the religious way was futile, it was following head knowledge rather than living heart knowledge and was ultimately setting people up for failure. Jesus, accepting our broken nature, offers us freedom through love and acceptance; In our brokenness, in our mess, and in our transgressions.
As followers of Christ we are called to offer that same unconditional acceptance to others. When we are told by Jesus to love our neighbour, He knew that it would include people who look, act and believe differently from us- That was kind of the point! He was ushering in a radical love for all. A lived out, responsive love for all of God’s creatures. To build up everyone into a place of acceptance and belonging rather than keeping people out by setting false, unattainable standards.
The Gospel reading moves straight from the severe directness of the disciples' opinions regarding divorce to Jesus blessing and welcoming the children. Have you noticed how children are unafraid to challenge or to push boundaries, they are confident in themselves of being accepted regardless of their behaviour and yet they love and are loved fiercely. They are humble, insightful and genuinely authentic – what could be a closer description of what God wants for us than that; to thrive unrestricted. Jesus uses the children to brush away the condemnations and restrictions of the pharisees, reminding them that God loves us beyond and in spite of our failures.
I have been a weed…(I didn’t realise it at the time but it was like swimming in treacle) Before I came to the Church in Wales, I was still the person I am now. But, I often found myself just left of centre. I was often misunderstood and people made their own assumptions about me and that started to affect how I saw myself - Questioning whether there was something wrong with me. Here, however, without changing who I am, I am no longer a weed. I have been accepted as I am, secure in my own identity; fearfully and wonderfully made, and am now flourishing; feeling accepted and having found a place to belong. (and the treacle is given way to flowing water)
So, you see, when people are marginalised or maligned it’s not because there is anything inherently wrong with them, but, rightly or wrongly, the conditions are not right for them to flourish where they are. They are surrounded by people who cannot see their humanity. That’s not to say we should move if people object to us, we should rightly challenge their behaviour but sometimes it is so worth making a change, to find that affirmation and the place which values your worth.
A well known saying that is widely known amongst educationalists and is often attributed to Einstein is ‘Everyone is a genius, but if we judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing it is stupid.’ Trying to live in an atmosphere that is hostile to your needs is hard, damaging and draining and is not an accurate reflection of your abilities, value or worth.
Radical inclusion calls for radical love and if you’ve ever observed young children playing together, you will notice that they don’t naturally notice each others' differences as obstacles or barriers. Acceptance and inclusion is their default (unless taught otherwise)
I believe that it is this childlike behaviour - The innocent, non judgmental acceptance by the young and innocent, that Jesus calls us to imitate and those who are able to are rewarded and embraced securely within the kingdom of God.
So, for those people who feel like they are weeds for whatever reasons, may God remind them and all of us that they are wanted, chosen and fearfully and wonderfully made. To be authentically themselves, as they were intended to be does not make them any less when they find themselves in hostile environments or situations.
My prayer today is that each of us may find our fruitful soil and blossom into everything that God intended us to be and that all those who surround us may recognise God’s image within each of us.