The Parable of the Sower

Gospel of July 10, 2011 (Matthew 13:1-23)

You could probably remember the Parable of the Sower from Christian Living Education back in Grade School. It’s perfect for this blog's first entry because it talks about God’s words and how we listen to Him. We’ve heard this parable over and over again. But can you retell it right off the bat? Think about it, are you like the seeds that fell on the:

• path – God’s words didn’t even have a chance to grow in your heart (better explained by the Filipino expression – pasok sa isang tenga, labas sa kabila!)
• rocky ground – you were excited at first but soon the novelty wore off
• thorny/weedy ground –too much worries cloud the effect of God’s words
• fertile soil – God’s words are alive in your everyday life

My 9-year old and I talked about which kind of seed pertains to us. We concluded that we are often like those in the rocky and thorny ground. So how can we be more like fertile soil? One initiative we thought of is to start reflecting on the Sunday gospel as a family. Somehow talking about God or matters of faith was a bit awkward at first. But it breaks down a lot of barriers… and it gets easier as you go along. Then, it helps set you up to actually try it outside the family. Me, preach to someone else?! Tough job!

Good thing there is instant encouragement from the parable itself. In the story, the sower liberally threw the seeds to the ground. He didn’t mind if some of the seeds fell on the unproductive soil. Here, I can almost imagine God singing “noo nee noo nee noo” as he checks if someone is looking before casting the seeds. Like the sower, God spreads His message to everyone. He will keep trying to get His message across - no matter who hears, and regardless of the results. (So, here I am, too…trying… no matter who hears, and regardless of the results.)

This week’s tip for moms: It can be frustrating when we feel that our kids are not listening to us. But I say, whether it is about scripture, homework or house chores, just keep on nagging. Repeat yourself over and over, even if it wears you off. Who knows, your lessons will fall on "fertile" ears next time.