Gospel MT 13:18-23
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Hear the parable of the sower.
The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the Kingdom without understanding it, and the Evil One comes and steals away what was sown in his heart.
The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away.
The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word,
but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word
and it bears no fruit.
But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.”
Reflection:
When we read the parable of the sower, we may tend to think in terms of “all or nothing,” to see ourselves as either being on rocky ground, among thorns or in the good soil.
However, that isn’t usually how it works in life.
“When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away.”
Even the saintly apostles, when confronted by tribulation and persecution, immediately ran away.
All but one were strengthened by their failures and rose to be faithful servants to the Lord.
Like the disciples and apostles, we encounter thorns and walk through both rocky and rich soil.
Jesus did not expect his followers to be perfect; he accepted them in their weakness and brokenness. He accepts us in the same way.
Our Lord does not ask or expect us to walk the path without stumbling over rocks or being cut by thorns. He only asks that we get up and continue to follow him to the rich soil.
Prior to getting sober at age 45, I walked many rough and dangerous paths. After living Cursillo, a Christian renewal retreat at age 46, I found myself in rich soil and the seed of Christ began to grow within me.
But, in thirty years of sowing the seed of Christ, I have found that even rich soil can have an occasional rock or thorn bush.
For me, the key to perseverance is staying close to Jesus through prayer and service.
When I spread the love and hope of Jesus Christ, the rocks and thorn bushes are crushed and blend into the rich soil of God’s love.
For given the chance, God can turn all things for good.
“At present you may be temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials. This is no accident. It happens to prove your faith which is infinitely more valuable than gold.” 1 Peter 1:6-7