No exceptions. No conditions
27 July 2018
We all know this parable well.
In the Palestine of Jesus’ time, seeds were like water – a prized and vital commodity. A farmer in Jesus’ time would sow his precious seeds carefully. Very carefully! Each seed would be placed in a prime location with none being wasted.
The farmer we hear about in today’s Gospel is of course God. He sows on rocky ground. He sows on thorny ground. He sows on the path and on good soil.
In the Gospel of Matthew, we hear that God is like the sun, which shines on the good and bad alike. God simply shares His life, with everyone. Making no exceptions. Having no conditions. He sows his love everywhere, exuberantly, creatively even a little bit irresponsibly.
Our modern world is full of distractions—the rocks, thorns, and birds that conspire to prevent God’s Word and His calling from taking root and bearing fruit. A person’s reception of God’s Word is determined by the condition of his heart.
So what is the good news of this Gospel? If we are receptive to it, the grace of God will cause life to spring up in us thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold.
The Word of God is given to us as a gift. May we allow its goodness to take root in our lives and yield a fertile harvest.