Readings: Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15; Psalm 78; Mt 13:1-9 In today’s Gospel, Jesus goes on to teach the familiar “Parable of the Sower.” His disciples asked him why He spoke in parables?Jesus responds to them, “The knowledge about the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but to them”. it has not been granted.” So why is that?
First of all, a story is easy to listen to. It keeps our attention and is easily remembered. In the “Parable of the Sower”, Jesus explains that the seed sown by the Sower falls either on the path, on rocky ground, among thorns, or on rich soil. This is a very visible description that leads us to conclusions right away. Everyone knows that the ideal place for seed to be sown is rich soil. And everyone knows that the seed sown on the path, or on rocky ground and among thorns has little hope of producing fruit. Therefore, this parable easily draws the listener in so as to understand some basic lessons.
With this story, clearly Jesus wanted the crowd to understand that we will only understand the mysteries He is teaching if we are like the rich soil. He also wanted us to understand that much of what He was teaching them and us was not falling on rich soil in our hearts.
This parable, as all Jesus’ parables, has the effect of causing us to listen and to think. Thinking leads to what we may term a holy curiosity. And this holy curiosity will begin to produce the rich soil that was needed within us so as to open the door to the deeper mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven.
How does Jesus speak to you? Are you able to listen to Jesus in your prayers and meditations? Does the seed of His Word take root in your very soul? Christ loves us and He continues to let the heavenly seed fall on us, waiting and hoping that we will learn to prepare the ground.
Let us answer with Samuel’s words: “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening”. Blessings. Fr. Mussie