Dig into the soil

Today’s Gospel provides an allegorical interpretation of the Parable of the Sower we heard 2 days ago. This interpretation clearly focuses on where the seed is sown, that is to say, those who hear the Word of God.

Many of us may tend to think of ourselves as being the “good” soil in this interpretation: people who hear and understand God’s word. The question we need to ask ourselves, however, is “How good?”

Is there a path running through part of our “good” soil? Is there some part of us that has been so affected by life that it is beaten down, calloused, or numb? Perhaps this makes it hard for us to really appreciate some part of the Gospel message or to let God’s love and truth really shine forth in our life. If so, we need to let the Lord heal and refresh us.

Are there a few rocks or thorns in our “good” soil? Are there things in our lives, in our hearts, in our nightmares, or in our desires that we fear may be stronger than our commitment to Christ? If so, we need to face these things within ourselves honestly and ask God to purify and strengthen us.

God sows the seeds of His word most generously. We should never tire of cultivating the soil of our hearts and our lives, by His grace, so that we may always be open to His word and that it may bear abundant, joyous fruit in us.