The older I get the more I notice that I cannot hear as well as I used too. I find myself asking people to repeat things or I am saying “what did you say” much more than ever before. The reason I bring this up is that in today’s readings our Lord Jesus tells us that “those who have ears to hear…let them hear”. The readings revolve around God’s word being sent forth and how people respond to it. Our blessed Lord refers to it as seed and soil. These people understood farming and planting, so Jesus uses this to teach with. Parables are such a wonderful way to share truths on multi – levels and reach people in profound ways.
So let’s dive in to this parable together. Here a Sower is sowing seed. Notice that as he is planting, some seed falls out. He did not just throw seed into the air and hope for the best. The fallen seed is the result of seed that fell out as He was planting the good seed. Seed fell on the path itself and was quickly eaten by the birds. This reminds me of people who want spiritual experiences, but don’t want to get off the couch or on their knees to obtain them. So they read about it, talk about it, watch movies about it but never do it. The seed bounces off of them and is eaten by the birds and it is gone, on to the next experience. Some seed fell on rocky ground, and grew for a short time but was soon scorched by the sun and since it had no roots, it died out. I have experienced this in my life. I have gone to a Catholic conference or out on a retreat and I get all pumped up to become “Uber Catholic”! - I will save the world! The trouble is that as I return to normal life, the enthusiasm soon fades and because it had no roots, the excitement wanes and is soon scorched by the sun of everyday life. The third seed fell among the thorns and grew up with the thorns but eventually were choked out. This reminds me of what I call “Cafeteria Catholics”, or “Camouflage Catholics”, whatever the term, these are people who choose their faith and what they believe in as if they were at an “all you can eat” buffet of religions and they can pick and choose what they want to believe in. So they say they are Catholic, but do not believe what the Church teaches and professes. It makes me sad. Finally some seed fell on good rich soil and grew many folds. So here’s the deal: What kind of soil is in your soul? What will the seed of the word of God find when it falls on you? Something to think about while planting your tomatoes. May God richly bless you always!
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