This week Jesus offers us a parable. He uses parables to teach us something. This is Matthew’s first of seven of the Parables of the
Kingdom. However, the Kingdom always retains some mystery. Mystery does not mean that we have no understanding, but it is always partial. This is because God and the Kingdom are always beyond our full comprehension.
Using similes or metaphors drawn from everyday life or from nature helps reveal God’s heavenly truth. There is a comparison between two things for illustration. We are given an image of something known to spark our imagination and bring an understanding of something new. The meaning is not immediately clear and needs further reflection to reveal the intended communication. Jesus now uses
the parable of the sower to express his message.
The story is a simple one of the sower generously sowing seeds everywhere, on the side of the path, on rocky
and thorny ground, and on good soil. Why sow seed where it cannot grow? Are those seeds sown on unsuitable ground wasted?
On the side of the path, there is no soil, and the
birds eat the seed; there is no germination at all;
on the rocky soil, the seeds sprout at first but then because of a lack of root depth, are scorched by the sun and
die;
on the thorny soil the seeds also sprout at first but then become crowded out by the thorny weeds and die;
and on the good soil, the seeds sprout and flourish and supply abundant fruit in varying quantity.
In this parable, Jesus explains that he is the sower, the seed is God’s word, and the soil or seed beds refer to those who hear God’s word, the crowds, the disciples, and us. The soil or seedbed is the level of our receptivity and
generosity.
We hear how the seed, Jesus’ teaching, is received. We see that three of the four examples of the kind of soil respond to Jesus’ message.
Only one example rejects the seed completely. We could be saddened at all the sowing that happens with little return. Or we may be amazed that in the inhospitable environment, some seed yields well. Jesus seems to suggest the latter. Jesus encourages us to receive the Word as best we can. Even if we are limited, he never deserts us. The Spirit is always guiding and gifting us so that we can be better receptacles of the Word.
What aspect of this parable draws me?
What do I hope for from God’s word?
Is it possible to change the outcome of the seeds, God’s Word? What can I do?
Will I open my heart to Christ’s presence among and within me and hear the invitations?
Reflections by Kath Knowles
