Seeds and Sowers
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The readings for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time feature seeds and sowers. In the first reading from Isaiah 55, we have God sowing the seeds. Next, the responsorial psalm also speaks of seed, good ground, and fruitful harvest. Finally, in the Gospel from Matthew 13, we have Jesus sowing the seeds.
The Gospel acclamation truly sums it all up for us: “The seed is the word of God; Christ is the sower. All who come to him will have life forever.”
In the gospel, Jesus teaches with The Parable of the Sower. The parable speaks of different kinds of soil which represent the different responses to Jesus’ ministry. The first is completely unreceptive. The second is immediate enthusiasm which fades with tribulation or persecution. The third is a reception that is overcome by worldly anxiety and the lure of riches. The fourth is fruitful reception and understanding of Christ’s word.
Jesus’ invitation to enter his kingdom comes in the form of parables. He invites people to the feast of the kingdom, but he also asks for a radical choice: to gain the kingdom, one must give everything. Words are not enough; deeds are required.
Jesus’ parables are like mirrors for a person: will he be hard soil or good earth for the word? What use has she made of the talents she has received?
Jesus and the presence of the kingdom in this world are secretly at the heart of the parables. One must enter the kingdom, that is, become a disciple of Christ, in order to “know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven.” For those who remain far from the kingdom, the Word of God remains difficult to understand. (CCC 546)
Pope Benedict explained Jesus’ use of parables. “To those who have already decided for him, he can speak openly of the Kingdom of God,” while to others he must speak in metaphor “to stimulate precisely the decision, the conversion of heart,” as the parables “require effort to interpret, challenging one’s intelligence, but also one’s freedom.” In this way, “God does not force us to believe in him, but draws us to himself through the truth and goodness of his incarnate Son.” (Angelus Address, July 10, 2011)
I close with a prayer from Fr. Albert Haase. Let us pray:
God,
You generously call every one of us into your kingdom. Your scattered seed will indeed accomplish the purpose for which you sent it even though it might not be nourished by all who receive it. May the soil of our hearts be rich and receptive, yielding your bountiful harvest.
Amen.
- Haase, Sundays on the Go, p. 116
Your Brother in Christ,
Deacon Ray Rodriguez