“Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up,” says Jesus in today’s gospel reading. Here’s today’s reflection from the daily Mass.
Readings for Tuesday of week 18 of ordinary time can be found here
In 1960, Mike Todd Jr, convinced that people wanted a new viewing experience, invented ‘Smell-o-Vision,’ an elaborate system that allowed a film reel to trigger the release of bottled scents, which were piped to the audience in sync with moments in the movie. The only film to make use of Smell-o-Vision was 1960’s Scent of Mystery, written specifically with the gimmick in mind. Smell-o-Vision was never used again! Not every invention is a great one. Some things simply come to nothing!
What’s that got to do with today’s gospel reading? In response to the Pharisees sense of offence at what Jesus says to them, he replies, ‘Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.’ There may indeed be many things in the world which contradict and conflict with the kingdom of God. The selfish activities of humanity which achieve little that is good or fruitful. Jesus appears to be unperturbed. His perspective of the world is more profound than the Pharisees. His outlook is broader, his vision far more far-reaching. He knows they will come to nothing.
Each of us at times may have the propensity to work against God’s kingdom. It may not be intentional. Indeed, our intentions at the time may come from what we think is a good place. Also, we may be challenged by circumstances, feel down and demoralised by the world and, of course, by the church at times. In Jesus’ mind, these problems will go nowhere in the long run for, as he says, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up.” May we have the faith and insight to participate in what God is doing in the world, to be planters of his seed, nurturing the gifts with which he blesses us, and keeping our sights on the fullness of God’s kingdom.
Mass today is in St Mary’s at 630pm
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