In Jesus’ lifetime, sowing the seed for a harvest in Palestine was different from what is done nowadays here.
The gospel text of this Sunday (Matthew 13:1-23) tells us:
“Imagine a sower going out to sow…”
To imagine this scene, we must know that the method used would have been what we call:
‘sowing wildly’, or ‘sowing to the four winds’.
This is not a careful placing of some seeds in rows prepared to receive them.
The seeds are thrown haphazardly, they are cast far and wide without precision.
It is easy to conclude that the outcome will be different according to the place the seeds will eventually reach.
Listening to Jesus teaching, we can expect, as easily, that the same will happen with people.
Jesus’ words confirm our guess – people who receive the seed of God’s word react in different ways.
In Jesus’ parable, their attitude is compared to four types of ground:
- The edge of the path…
- Patches of rock with little soil…
- Among thorns…
- Rich soil…
Four words – starting with the letter S – can characterize the people themselves:
- Superficial… God’s message is soon ‘gone with the wind’…
- Senseless… people with no roots, no purpose in life…
- Subdued… easily overcome by problems and obstacles…
- Serious… about human existence and intent on finding its meaning…
I look at the words, I think of the personality they suggest, and I ask myself where do I belong?…
Suddenly, a comforting thought comes to my mind…
The seed cannot change the place where it is thrown but…
But a person can move from one position to another!
Superficial, senseless, subdued people can be transformed into…
the kind of people welcoming God’s word with their whole heart.
Welcoming God’s message,
and yielding a harvest
according to what God expects from each one individually.
A comforting thought indeed, and a promising perspective!…
Note: Another text is available on a different theme, in French, at: https://image-i-nations.com/15e-dimanche-de-lannee-a-2023/
Source: Image: freebibleimages