This week, we're wondering about the message shared in our Gospel reading,
Matthew 13:1-8, The Parable of the Sower:
"Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up.
Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away.
Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.
Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty."
That's a lot of words. First off, know what a "parable" is: it's a way of telling a story that's a lesson, and where one thing actually means a different thing. Often, we are left to wonder what the parable might mean. This time, Jesus explains:
So, for instance, a real, actual "sower" sows seeds: that person is a planter of good things, hoping they will grow well and yield plenty. In this parable, Jesus tells us, the "sower" is a person sharing Good News. Here, the "seeds" aren't seeds at all; they're "the word of the kingdom" - God's word! - "sown in the heart" - given to you!
The rest of the parable tells about environments that promote (or thwart, ugh) good growth of thornless "grain": understanding, endurance, justice, and fruitfulness.
Jesus says: The seeds that are the Good Word fall into your heart (!) -
does your heart offer the good soil for these seeds to grow and GROW?
I wonder, when the Good Word falls into your heart, what will happen next?
What "grain" can you grow?
What does this grain look like, act like?
- How can our Church, our family, our friends, and others help your heart to be open to the Kingdom of God, and to grow bushels of good works? Tell me!
- How can Jesus help? Ask Him! How? (Pray, sing, play; listen.)
