Readings: Jeremiah 1:1,4-10, Ps. 71:1-6,15,17, Matthew 13:1-9
“A Sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up.” (Matthew 13:3-4)
Once upon a time, a professor sought to teach a young man a lesson while they were having tea. The young man watched the professor pour tea into his cup. Surprisingly, the professor continued pouring even when the cup was full. He shouted: “Why are you still pouring more tea? Can’t you see the cup is full already?” The professor smiled and said: “This cup represents your mind. You cannot learn anything new since you believe you know everything.” Jesus is the greatest teacher the world has ever known. However, Jesus did not convince everybody. Was there a problem with the Word (the seed)? Was it His style of teaching? In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus answers these questions through the parable of the Sower. What does this parable teach us?
- People are not the same. Avoid the error of assuming everyone is like you. Just as there are different soils, people have different ways of accepting the Gospel. While some of us were born into Christian homes which nurtured our faith, others grew up in homes that were very hostile to their faith. Again, some strongly desire to live righteously but can only do so if they change their environment (they lack roots and must be replanted).
- There is nothing wrong with the Word or a problem with Jesus’ teaching method. Some persons are, to put it mildly, unteachable. Their minds, like that of the young man, are closed. They cannot receive or accept the truth. With this parable, Jesus wants us to understand that even if He spent a hundred years on earth, there would still be some who would not believe or understand. Jesus concludes the parable by saying: “He who has ears, let him hear.” Some people do not have ears; they are like seeds planted on the roadside; no amount of preaching (adding manure or water) would make them bear fruits.
- Some people require divine intervention to believe or accept the truth. Regardless of how often you explain something in God’s Word, they would remain unsatisfied. For instance, some Christians have a problem with devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The more you explain it, the less they comprehend it. Avoid arguing with such persons. Such arguments degenerate into quarrels, and the devil is happy to see Christians fight over doctrines. You are not a failure if you fail to convert or convince someone. Jesus knew we would fail, so He told his disciples: “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town.” (Matthew 10:14).
- Some might describe the Sower as careless or lazy because he didn’t prepare the ground or select where to plant. However, I interpret his action in terms of generosity. He wanted to give everyone a chance. Do not discriminate who you preach to; you never can tell who will eventually produce a hundred-fold. Plant the seed and leave the rest for God. As St. Paul says: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” (1 Corinthians 3:6). In other words, even if you successfully convert multitudes, do not get puffed up by pride.
- Another way of understanding this parable is to think of the various soils as symbols of the time we devote to studying God’s Word daily. While the seed that fell on the path represents those who do not spend up to five minutes daily meditating on God’s Word, the seed that fell on good soil represents those who spend hours on God’s Word daily. I titled today’s reflection, “To change your life, change your soil.” You can change your soil by spending more time on God’s Word daily.
- You can also change your soil by changing your self-talk. When God called Jeremiah, he considered himself too young to be a prophet to Israel. Like Jeremiah, you might think you are nothing because of your past failures, but God, who made you from your mother’s womb, sees you as a great person. To change Jeremiah’s negative self-talk, God touched his lips. People often say “wash your mouth”, meaning “don’t talk like that.” God washed Jeremiah’s mouth, filling it with His Word. You can change your life by speaking positivity and proclaiming God’s Word rather than negativity.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us to create conducive soils within us so that your Word may bear fruits in our lives. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of week 16 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Jeremiah 1:1,4-10, Ps. 71:1-6,15,17, Matthew 13:1-9).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu