The Sower and the Seed

Creation: A Divine Cycle
The Birthing of a New Community

Christ Creates Holy Living

Luke 8:4-15The Message (MSG)

The Story of the Seeds

4-8 As they went from town to town, a lot of people joined in and traveled along. He addressed them, using this story: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. Some of it fell on the road; it was tramped down and the birds ate it. Other seed fell in the gravel; it sprouted, but withered because it didn’t have good roots. Other seed fell in the weeds; the weeds grew with it and strangled it. Other seed fell in rich earth and produced a bumper crop.
“Are you listening to this? Really listening?”
9 His disciples asked, “Why did you tell this story?”
10 He said, “You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom—you know how it works. There are others who need stories. But even with stories some of them aren’t going to get it:
Their eyes are open but don’t see a thing,
Their ears are open but don’t hear a thing.
11-12 “This story is about some of those people. The seed is the Word of God. The seeds on the road are those who hear the Word, but no sooner do they hear it than the Devil snatches it from them so they won’t believe and be saved.
13 “The seeds in the gravel are those who hear with enthusiasm, but the enthusiasm doesn’t go very deep. It’s only another fad, and the moment there’s trouble it’s gone.
14 “And the seed that fell in the weeds—well, these are the ones who hear, but then the seed is crowded out and nothing comes of it as they go about their lives worrying about tomorrow, making money, and having fun.
15 “But the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there’s a harvest.

For Reflection

By the life and ministry of Christ, we all have been given insight into God's kingdom. Not all of those who have heard the Gospel have accepted it. Some ignore what they see and hear. Some are excited and moved to accept the Good News, but they find life in the ordinary world too seductive to ignore.

Those who hear the Gospel and see the fruits of belief and practice seize the opportunities God offers. They will, in collaboration with God, develop a community of loving relationships, trust, justice, and freedom from the commonplace. The Kingdom of God resides in the souls of believers.

Pray

for the believers whose commitment to God will help fulfill God's will for our communal life. Pray that others who hear the offer of salvation from the seductions of our material world will see the fruits of our labors and come to live with us in God's Kingdom.