Who Indeed Bears Fruit? Last fall, one of our ducks basically lost the use of her right leg, so much so that she was unable to come out of the pond to join the other ducks at feeding time. I took her to the vet, who determined that she had a fracture and prescribed several weeks of “cage rest,” surgery for a farmyard duck not being a reasonable option.
After three weeks, her leg was not much better but one day, she hobbled over to the edge of the duck house where she had been confined and plopped into the water. She swam around in the pond all winter. Since she could not climb out to eat with the others, I had to change the feeding routine so that she could get nourishment.
One day this summer, I suddenly noticed that she was limping around on land with the other ducks and eating from the same pan. She used her wings to help her climb out of the pond. She still struggled but could use the leg. Finally, she found likely spots on the ground and rested there, sometimes laying an egg or two.
A Harvest Through Perseverance
What has all this got to do with the Ten Commandments and the Parable of the Sower? Why would we bother trying to care for a lame duck? The second question is answered more quickly. The duck was otherwise in good health and clearly wanted to live. She wanted to swim and did not seem to be in pain. She wanted to be with the other ducks and has remained part of the flock. It took a minor adjustment to make it possible.
You Shall Not Have Other Gods Besides Me
The first question requires more reflection. It struck me that the Ten Commandments are like planks and boards supporting and holding in the straw and manure that will eventually decompose into good soil. They are the structure that allows for “the seed sown on rich soil” and “the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.”
It is also noteworthy that in the first reading, the Scriptural author devotes a lot of time to the first four commandments, while the other six appear only in a list. I think perhaps this is because the first four commandments set out the proper relationship with God (and those who gave us life), without whom our existence would not be possible. Each of us has a unique connection with God who cares for us all in a particular way. That must be honored and acknowledged at all times and extended to the others around us, even a lame but determined duck.
Such a fun read and so instructive. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.