Sunday, July 12, 2020

The Depth of the Soil

ONLINE REFLECTION, PROPER 10, YEAR A, SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, ST. PAUL’S, FOLEY
JULY 12, 2020

TEXT:   Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

I would encourage you to read the Gospel lesson for today.  It is Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23.  You can find the Sunday lectionary link on the email posting you received this morning.

Jesus told stories to get his point across.  He spoke in images which were familiar to his listeners.  Since Israel of his time was primarily agricultural, many of his stories focused that theme.

Today’s lesson is no exception.  This is the Parable of the Sower.  Jesus tells us about a sower who goes into his field to cast seed – seed which is hoped to yield fruit, whether that is grain or something else.

Jesus tells us how the grain is scattered – some fell on the pathway, others fell on rocky soil, and some were cast among the thorns.  And some fell on good soil.

The seeds that fell on the pathway, on rocky soil, and among the thorns were doomed.  They would not flourish.  They would either be eaten by the birds, choked by the thorns, or die from lack of good soil.

But those that fell on good soil flourished – they took root, grew, and bore much fruit.

Jesus is using the seed as an image for the Good News which he brings. Some of his teachings will fall on deaf ears, or fallow hearts, for a variety of reasons.  Other things will distract from the call of the kingdom.  The call of the kingdom may be received with gladness immediately, but other things will distract and draw people away.

That means, on some level, that idolatry has taken hold.  Something which is more glittering, more attractive, more compelling – in the moment – has drawn the heart away from the Good News.  That was truth for Jesus’ listeners 2,000 years ago, and it is true for us today.

There are many things which compete for our attention and primary loyalty.  Notice I said “primary”.  We all have many loyalties, and many are worthwhile.  But in order for the seed of faith to take deep root and bear fruit, we must give the Good News the primacy it deserves.

Jesus is telling us to be focused – to not be drawn away from his Good News by a glittering, flashy object which may attract us briefly.  Be focused, instead, on the message which gives life. That is where we can take root and bear much fruit.

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