In today’s Gospel Jesus is once again speaking in parables to his disciples, and now he goes further into an explanation of the parable of the sower and the seeds. This parable is about our reception of the word, and we can further understand this to mean Jesus as the word from the Gospel of John; “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.” (Jn 1:14). In the parable Jesus tells us of the seeds that are taken and eaten up by birds, or are spread over rocky ground. This resembles those whom might have received the word once with joy, but have then returned to their lives unchanged. We can also see it as the ones who allow the world to consume them with its vices and temptations, without the opportunity to let the word grow within them. But then there are the seeds that are sowed in fertile soil. These seeds are not only receptive to the word, but allow the word to grow in their hearts and take root. Jesus is asking his disciples to let the word take root, and to stay steadfast in their love for him, for though trial and tribulation may come, the Word of God is never ending, never failing, and unconditionally loving.
Reflection: How can I allow the seeds of the Word of God to take root in me?
Lord God, thank you for today and every day. Thank you for your love and mercy. Send forth your Spirit Lord, that I may take root in the seeds that you plant oh God. Allow my heart to be open to your will, and to love as you have loved me. I pray, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen.