July 10, 2011: 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Think about what you need in order to grow as a follower of Jesus.

Jesus told many things in parables, saying:
“Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Others seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (Matthew 13:3-8)

Planting was a common experience for the people who lived in Jesus’ time. They knew what contributed to good growing.
Today’s gospel and Jesus’ message is not about gardening.
It is about the seeds of his word planted in our minds and hearts and the importance of paying attention to his word.
We need to be ready to hear the words of Jesus in the Scriptures and to do what he asks us to do.
Then we will be like the good soil that produces a good crop.

Action:

Hopefully you have a chance to work in a garden or at least watch things grow through these summer months.
Pay attention to all that contributes to growing flowers and vegetables: water, sunlight, good soil.
Think about what you need in order to grow as a follower of Jesus.