The Good Soil
Most of us have heard of Jesus’ Parable of the Sower to some degree — the sower sows seed, some seeds fall on the path, some fall on rocky soil, some fall among thorns, and some fall on good soil.
What’s interesting about this parable is that the Gospels provide us with Christ’s explanation. He tells us the overall meaning, in addition to what the seed and each soil version represents.
“As for the seed that fell among thorns, they are the ones who have heard (the word), but as they go along, they are choked by the anxieties and riches and pleasures of life, and they fail to produce mature fruit.” Luke 8:14
Where would you land? Would you land in the good soil, or among the thorns?
For those of us who fall among the thorns, we fall for what the world tries to offer. Anxieties, riches, and pleasures.
One of these is especially relevant: anxieties. Living in the twenty-first century, we’ve got everything at our fingertips through the apps and services available to us, giving us a false sense of control. Sooner or later, we realize that we are not in control...God is. But, that’s not the problem. The problem is letting our lack of control lead to anxiety.
Let’s face it: we can’t change the President’s or the Pope’s minds. For 99% of the world’s problems, all we can (and should) do is offer prayers.
We must remember that where our influence lies is where we can have a positive impact. At home. At work. At our parish. Let that be the good soil.
And today: reflect on what causes us worry, what we get worked up about, and what causes us anxiety.