“Their sturdy backs bent down, by labor and fatigue, their eyes intent upon the earth, sift through stubble discarded by the reapers.”

—Sister Michaela O’Connor

Scripture Reflection for July 12, 2020
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The first reading for Sunday reminds us of how fortunate we are to have such a lovely world, and how fortunate we are that we have a God who speaks to us words of wisdom. The rain and snow come down, water the earth, make things grow, and then return to the heavens, sometimes by way of the oceans. God’s word comes down, and if it finds a fertile field in a heart somewhere, it grows a hundredfold, achieving God’s will in those around. It may take centuries, but it will persevere. I am reminded of the so-called “Butterfly Effect,” which holds that huge things can be changed by some random tiny change: a butterfly flapping its wings in Japan can lead to a storm in New York three weeks later. We are often reminded to think of the butterfly when things look hopeless, but I don’t say “Think of the butterfly”; I say BE the butterfly. Your tiny flapping of wings could make an enormous difference in the world. Let’s all try it out!
Sister Carol J. Crater, SHF