There has been a lot of talk
about exclusion in the media this week. Specifically, about whether people who
are transgender are welcome in the military. Opinions, from both those for and
against, have flown, fast and furiously, over the internet.
I can find no text in the
scriptures where transgender is mentioned. However, interestingly, today’s
readings were about the realm of heaven and belonging. I read these parables as
a place, or perhaps a state, where no one is excluded. A state where all can find
rest and peace and comfort. A place where all are welcome.
The realm of heaven is
addressed in five parables in the lectionary passage for today (Matthew
13:31-52).
The first is the parable of
the mustard seed. The story tells us the tiny seed produces a tree where the
birds can nest and find protection. When I lived in the UK I sometimes went camping
in France. One of the delights of the journey was seeing the mustard fields.
They stretch, bright yellow, for what seemed like miles to the horizon. From
them comes the mustard that one likes to eat as a garnish.
I suspect the mind often goes to that sort of mustard when hearing the words of this parable. Yet, I don’t think that was what was in the author’s mind when the gospel was penned.
I believe the story is talking about it the mustard
tree that is native to Israel and several other countries in the Middle East
and Africa. It thrives in hot, dry conditions. Salvadora Persica is a shrub which grows up to thirty feet tall. It
is known as the mustard tree or toothbrush tree. It has many uses. It fibrous
branches are used for teeth cleaning. The leaves are eaten as a salad. They are
used for healing. Coughs, asthma and rheumatism are a few of the many diseases
the leaves are said to help cure. The small berries are also eaten, both fresh
and dried.
This mustard tree is depicted in the parable as an image of the realm of heaven. It is a
place of refuge, a place of healing and a place of nourishment.
The next parable which is given to
illustrate the realm of heaven is the story of a woman who has some yeast which
she mixes with three measures of flour until all is leavened. Yeast is fungi
which has many uses, most popularly used in bread making and the production of
alcohol (wine, beer). The image this parable gives me is one of growth and
expansion. It also involves effort and determination. Yeast and flour need to
be kneaded to cause the expansion.
The next two parables are
similar, one talks of a treasure hidden in a field, the other of a pearl of great
price. In each case the person desiring them was willing to sell all their
possession to obtain the treasure. I think each person must think about what is,
metaphorically, the treasure which is worth selling all for. For me, this week,
it is inclusivity and non-judgmentalism. That is worth it. That is something to
be desired, something to work towards.
Finally, in the text, the
realm of heaven is likened to a net thrown into the sea. Every kind of fish is
caught.I love this picture of inclusivity. All together in one net.
However, worth noting, again effort is required. The net needs to be thrown out and then hauled in.
My
re-reading of these five parables gives me an image of the realm of heaven
which I find hopeful. It
is one which needs effort and determination to bring into being. The picture I
have is that the realm of heaven is welcoming, inclusive, non-judgmental,
protecting, nourishing, healing and expansive.
(Turtle Photo: Sapsucker Woods, Ithaca NY, July 2017)
