Jesus tells them of the sower whose seed falls - some on the path, some on the rocky ground, other among the thorns, but some on the good soil. The fate of those seeds varies, depending upon the soil upon which they fell.
On Tuesday, Pastor Bryne spoke of this parable's invitation to sew the seed freely - that God provides ample seed and we need not be constrained in our sharing, that we should never pre-judge or evaluate the "soil" before extending the word of God and the promises of God. Such a focus on the sower is helpful.
In those churches where entry to heaven is the central teaching, more emphasis is placed upon the soil - on asking what type of soil we are. Will we be like the path were the birds (the evil one) comes and snatches the seed away. Or like the rocky soil where no depth of root prevents a strong and vibrant faith. Or, as suggested in the camp song we often sing, will our hearts be the good soil in which the word takes root and grows and produces.
My prayers this week, as I have repeatedly encountered this parable and the talk around it, have brought me round and back to those who for whatever reason are unable to believe that our loving and gracious God has shared seed with them. By some twist of mood or attitude or circumstance they cannot see the good soil in them which has allowed them to share marvelous fruit. I worry that they have become so pre-occupied with comparing themselves to others that they are blinded to the grace and mercy falling into their own lives and desperately attempting to flow to others.
Nothing I can say will convince them otherwise. Maybe, from this week's readings and reflections, I might be able to tell them a story; a story of God's attempts to love us and care for us and save us. Then, I will hope and pray that they might be allowed to some to see themselves in that story.
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