Dominicans and the Harvest

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The cherry tomatoes on my sister Molly’s plant make my mouth water!  The first two tomatoes I pick are so beautiful; I do not want to eat them.  

The Saturday morning farmer’s market during these last weeks of August is an experience in abundance.  Each fruit and vegetable demonstrates the mystery of sunlight and rain, of earth and air.  Hidden seeds become luscious food.

As Dominicans, we are called to praise and to bless.  The taste of a crunchy cucumber, the tartness of a blueberry, or the drippy sweetness of a slice of watermelon make it so easy to exclaim God’s goodness.

This past Sunday’s second reading from the Letter of James says, “Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you…”

Even as this pandemic rages forward and the international scene speaks of injustice and oppression, James reminds us that we are called to be the harvest of God wherever we are, in any way possible.  The harvest of God’s love, mercy, joy, hope, and peace.  The first fruits of God’s providence.  

How about you?  What word has been planted in you?  Where are you finding abundance lately?  

Peggy Ryan, OP

Dominican University

River Forest, IL

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