a sermon by Kate Fiedler, May 12, 2024
During the springtime of flowers and blossoms, I am struck by a humble truth: I have a tendency to kill houseplants. It’s unfortunate. Friends have given me lovely potted plants over and over, and try as I might, I can’t seem to keep them green and growing. I am not going to ask anyone here to raise their hand if they have ever let a houseplant die, but let’s just assume that I am not alone in my plight. Now, there are a number of reasons why people have difficulties keeping houseplants alive—from lack of sunlight, temperature fluctuations, poor drainage, and pests—but the number one reason why houseplants die is overwatering[1]. When a plant is overwatered, the roots are flooded and lose touch with the soil, and that prevents the roots from getting enough oxygen. When the roots lack oxygen, they decay and die[2]. I’m learning that it is better to let a plant’s soil grow dry for a day or more instead of keeping the soil too wet. Plants need the right balance of good soil, sunlight, and the right amount of watering in order to thrive and flower.
Jesus understood the importance of healthy roots in maintaining a healthy faith. As he prepared his disciples for his passion and death, Jesus offered the metaphor of the vine and branches, with God as the master gardener, to help the disciples understand how they could stay faithful. Jesus knew that in order to stay strong after his death and ascension to God, the disciples needed to stay connected to him.
[1] “Why are my houseplants dying?” Foliaire. https://foliaire.com/why-are-my-house-plants-dying/
[2] Ibid.
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