ACCIDENTAL OR PROVIDENTIAL

2 kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3; Psalm 119 Teach me the way of your decrees, O Lord; Matthew 7:15-20


In the first reading for today we have a so called accidental discovery of a forgotten scroll detailing the statues of God for the people of Israel.  The scroll accidentally discovered while renovations of the temple were underway seemed to be a real and necessary turning point for the people of Israel.

Interesting.

How often have so called "accidental" events or discoveries in our life have led us to turning point for the better?  How often we find ourselves in relationships or situations where we can't really map out how we arrived but are overwhelmed with gratitude that we are where we are?

It makes us wonder whether or not there are accidents in life?  Or does the providence of God always give us the opportunity to respond to the moment in such a way that it leads us to a deeper understanding of who we are in relationship to God and one another as the finding of the scroll did for the nation of Israel.

The king could have discarded the find.  The king could have buried it under more debris.  Yet, he chose a different path and allowed the moment to be light for the path that led not only him but all the nation back to right relationship with God.


In the gospel Jesus speaks about good fruit.  What is the proof go goodness?  How do we value it and classify it in our lives and the lives of others?

We are told a good tree cannot bear bad fruit.  Often times we look at ourselves and we, like St Paul, discover that we do not the good we want but do the evil we do not want.  We find this wrestling match inside of us.  Yet, as much as we try to surrender our life to God we find ourselves struggling with some of the fruit we bear as not fitting for the kingdom or for the faith we profess.

Yet, Even this can bear good fruit in the life of the world.  Even our sinfulness can be a source of grace as St Paul proclaims where sin abound grace abound even more and again, all things work for Good for those who love God. The good fruit isn't always about us and what we are doing though we seek to continually love God and neighbor.

No! sometimes the good fruit ifsabout what God can do even with the worst we offer.  This is the good news. We shouldn't stop trying to respond generously to God's grace but at the same time we must always know God alone will have the last say and produce the greatest harvest. It is no accident but providence.