Planting Seeds
At a recent development conference, one of the speakers highlighted Jesus’ parable
of a farmer planting seeds, “This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as
if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day
and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land
yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And
when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come” (Mk
4:26-
How often do we begin tasks or undertake jobs when we have no idea how they will turn out? If we had a preview of life, would we ever start? Who would marry, have kids, start a company or, even, enter a monastery? Given the drought in the area the past year, how many farmers and ranchers wondered about planting again? Yet, we know we do not want to remain in a stationary position for fear of where a journey may take us. Part of the joy of life is experiencing those graces we encounter along the way. We do not do things perfectly, timely, and accurately; but by our everyday tasks we journey toward the Kingdom of God, proclaimed by Jesus.
Through the help of many generous benefactors, we have undertaken some important
projects at the Abbey. We were able to renovate bedrooms to provide private bathrooms
for our elderly and infirm monks in addition to replacing damaged and potentially
dangerous flooring. Another project has been the extensive rewiring of the monastery
and purchase a diesel generator for back-
Please be assured that we continue to pray for you, our friends and benefactors, daily. May these prayers help bring your own seeds to good fruition.
|
Volume 37, Number 4 |
Richardton, ND 58652 |
October 2009 |
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
Br. Michael Taffe, O.S.B.
Each spring the monks are careful to join with the people from the parish to bless the seeds and fields.