The Magic Eraser

I was watching a commercial the other day advertising the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.  Like all bathroom product cleaners, they applied the eraser to a filthy bathtub.  

Seriously, who has a bathtub that black?

Anyway, like magic, the eraser took a swipe at the grime and it just disappeared.  Oh how we could use that eraser in Washington!

In this day of great controversy in the Senate with the impeachment trial, it would be so helpful if we could only, with one broad swipe, reduce self-interest, greed and power struggles!

But, like my mom used to say, “You didn’t put that weight on overnight, so you are not going to take it off that fast either.”  So true.

We can look to today’s gospel reading for a little perspective (Mark 4:26.)

Jesus is comparing the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed. Although it is the “smallest of all the seeds on earth,” it has big potential.  Once planted, it begins to grow and becomes such a large plant that its branches can provide shade for birds!

But before he talks about the mustard seed, Jesus offers a relevant parable about a man who scatters seed on his land, and although the man doesn’t really know how, the seed sprouts and grows to the point where it can provide great fruit. 

Jesus describes the process of growth for the mustard seed, like this:

“Of its own accord the land yields fruit,
first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.
And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once,
for the harvest has come.”

Not exactly as swift as a magic eraser, that’s for sure!

But the point is, it takes time, there’s a process to maturing.

In the midst of rising threats about our country’s future demise over our current political state, it is good to keep in mind that change can come through even the smallest act, as long as seeds continue to be planted.

The reality is, whatever little thing you do today has the potential to make a big difference.   

So do that.

Like the large branches of the tree, be a gift to others.  Share what God has given you.

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.blogspot.com
janetcassidy.blubrry.net