Working in the garden is a time-honored tradition of postulants and novices the world over, and our community is no exception. But one doesn’t have to be at St. Joseph’s Monastery for very long before she comes face to face with a formidable foe: CRABGRASS.

This weedy nemesis springs up in every garden bed at one time or another, and rumor has it that its wiry roots reach all the way to China. It can be discouraging to labor for days at clearing some of the stuff, only to find it springing back up at the next rain!

So what’s a novice to do? Grumble, complain, and become frustrated? Our Sr. Bethany Marie had a different idea: why not have some fun and think of what the Lord Jesus might say about crabgrass, if He had walked the hills and gullies of Kentucky? As a fruit of Sister’s ponderings, we present you with …

The Parable of the Crabgrass

The Kingdom of God is like crabgrass.

Its roots are deep and its runners go far and wide.

Though some try and uproot it, others to hoe it down, still others to suffocate it, it always returns.

Through hay bales, underneath paper, and around wood, it will persevere.

Those who have ears ought to hear!