Memorial of St. Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Sowing Seeds
Have you ever sown a seed? Being January here in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s been a while since sowing season. But in a few short months, those green thumbs up here will be at it again.
But even if you’re not green-thumbed (myself included), Jesus’ Parable of the Sower is still relatable. That’s the power of metaphor. We’re always scattering something—our words, our actions—on different types of ground—people’s hearts. And Jesus is illustrating the various ways people receive and respond to the word of God and the way we live.
Over the years, you may have experienced different types of ground—that of others and within yourself. Some people are receptive, some are not. And it changes with the season. Sometimes you’re open, sometimes not. The conditions of one’s heart and mind, as well as that of others, may be affected by distractions, worldly concerns, and times of good mood and grace.
So today, reflect on how you receive and nurture God’s word, and what insights (fruit?) you may have or produce. You may have to uproot some thorns (guilty pleasures?), shoo away some birds (bad influences?), or cut off the path altogether (time for retreat?) in order to receive the word of God and experience its full effect.
Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections