Like the fig tree in today’s reading from Luke, we all need a bit of cultivation and fertilization to be the best we can be. In the absence of nurturing and loving intention, any one of us can lose our ability to flourish. We can lose our way. The fig’s owner wanted to cut down the tree when it stopped bearing fruit. How often do we rush to judgement as to the worthiness of others? How quickly do we turn our backs on people (or plants in our garden?) that may need little more than our kindness, our nurturing, our support?
Today’s reading called me to gratitude for the people in my life who have taken the time to help grow me; to help me blossom and bear good fruit for the world. That gratitude encourages me to return the favor. In small ways, I can give a little more time to one of my students, to treat a stranger with kindness, to wink and smile at a child – even when those individuals may not seem open to the love.
Not one of the marginalized of this world is a greater sinner than I am. Not one of the oppressed deserve their fate. Jesus calls me as a sinner to repent, and as a child of God to open my heart to the spirit and to love others. As the beneficiary of both the love of God and the nurturing of other people, I am happy to share that love, and when I do, to perhaps encourage the baby figs of joy and love in others. Amen.
Kimberly Grassmeyer
I’ve been an educator at the postsecondary level for nearly 40 years – both as a Higher Education administrator in Student Affairs work, and as a part-time faculty member – at Creighton University and several other mid-western schools. In the midst of that time, I also worked as a consultant to universities across Canada, the United States and Mexico. It is my honor to be closing out my professional life at Creighton, where my professional, personal and faith values dance together in an enriching partnership.
As a seeker and a sinner I am wholly imperfect, which is to say I am the human that God created me to be. My faith is often quite strong; at other moments it is shaken to its core. I am not a scholar of the Bible nor do I consider myself to be faithful enough or wise enough to lead others in their faith journey…. which is why (apparently) my gracious colleagues believe that I may have something of value to say to the other seekers in the world! I hope that my thoughts and provocations may in some measure provide perspective, pause, laughter, grace, and some peace to you.
