[Jesus] said: “This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and then rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. 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.” 

Viewing the final session of the movie, "War of the Worlds," we sense the complete despair of human beings as the alien machines search out and harvest the people of our earth. In particular, Ray Ferrier and his daughter Rachel experience firsthand the incredible power of the evil aliens. There seems to be no way out of complete dominance by the alien nation. But then, something happens. The last lines of the movie describe it: "From the moment the invaders arrived, breathed our air, ate, and drank, they were doomed. They were undone, destroyed, after all of man's weapons and devices had failed, by the tiniest creatures that God in his wisdom put upon this earth." God continues to use created things--in this case, bacteria--to remain totally in control of life and death, even when evil seems to be overwhelming.

Life can be overwhelming at times. Too many things seem to be go wrong; friends do not seem interested; family seems distant; people who could help seem occupied with their own pursuits. Like Ray Ferrier and his daughter in the movie "War of the Worlds," we seem destined to destruction. What can anyone do in the face of such depression?
 
Jesus offered answers to life’s problems by the use of stories, often using nature to call our attention to ways of behavior. In one Gospel passage, he reminds his disciples that even though we don’t understand how the seed can produce fruit, it always does. The kingdom of God initiated by Jesus in proclaiming the word will develop quietly yet powerfully until it is fully established by him at the end of the world. God will be directing the whole process, and everything will fit into God's pattern. We understand neither how nor why things happen the way they do, but God does, and remains in charge of every circumstance.
 
The believer in Jesus Christ will be a person who places a trust in God that seems foolish to the non-believer. Christians will view the happenings of the world, and indeed the happenings of their own lives, in light of the fact that just as nature takes its course, and will result in a desired conclusion, so will their lives. The Christian may be overwhelmed by the fear and despair of life, but in the end, the Christian knows that God is in control, and will direct everything to a happy ending.                        

THOUGHT
 
PRAYER

Good and gracious God, our lives too often take on a feeling of being overwhelmed by the things that happen. At those times, help us concentrate on your presence. Even though we don’t understand, your kingdom is developing and the end result will always be as you desire. Be with us, we pray. 

Questions, comments? Let me know. Email Fr. Mike

©2007 Capuchin Province of Mid-America
Fr. Mike Scully is a member of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America