Your builders outdo your destroyers
and those who laid you waste go away from you"
(Isaiah 49:17)

In all of life's activities, there exist some who see further. With tools of vision, innovation, daring, accomplishment, love for one's fellow mankind, they create and build for good, like wheat growing in the field.

At the same time, there exist those who fail to see, do not recognize. Using tools of fear, prejudice, division, hatred of one's fellow mankind, they destroy, like weeds growing in the fields.

Yet, Pastor Dan tells us that God says, "Let the weeds grow amongst the wheat". Could it be that there are far more Destroyers than there are Builders, and the Destroyers are winning?

The challenge, therefore, is recognizing good wheat from bad weeds. If you are a gardener, you are quite familiar with the battle of the weeds versus the "good seed". In the early stage of development, it is often impossible to distinguish between the two. You may actually pull out the good and leave the undesirable seedlings. Often Builders, absorbed by what could be, can be remote, lost in their dreams and, sometimes can even be considered as weird. Their unusual and unexpected appearance may cause them to be considered out of place, unwanted in society. How many truly great historical people have been burnt at the stake?

Because the good-hearted doofus, with little understanding and great sincerity, can through their misguided compassion accomplish much harm, they often become Destroyers. The outright Charlatan can fit into this category. Finally, there are those who destroy just for fun, deface public and private property, destroy what you prize, and far, far worse.

How to recognize the difference? I do like to think that God favors his Builders, but it would be awfully nice to see some signs of support. Next time you see such a person, why not give them a pat on the head and a cup of coffee!

Good is stronger than evil
Love is stronger than hate;
Light is stronger than darkness;
Life is stronger than death;
Victory is ours through Him who loves us.
Amen

prayer: Desmond Tutu, South Africa

Contributed by Rosemary
Sunday April 26, 2009
Liturgical Year B Week 22
Sunday Gospel Readings:
Third Sunday of Easter