In today’s Gospel we hear a parable that I’m sure we’re all familiar with: the Parable of the Sower.
If you continue to read Matthew 13, you will find Christ’s explanation that the three different types of soil are representative of three different types of people.
The seed that falls on rocky soil but is scorched by the sun because it has no roots is the person who hears the Gospel and is blessed with great joy but soon falls away because of persecution.
The seed that falls among the thorns is the person who hears the Gospel but is preoccupied by worldly things and does not live or share the Word.
The seed that falls on good soil is the person who hears the Gospel, understands, lives it, and shares it with others.
We will all encounter each type of soil, each type of person in our lives. Perhaps we will even act as the sowers and talk to each type of person about the faith. But we will also encounter each type of person within ourselves.
How many times have we gone on a retreat or something similar and been so on fire with the Holy Spirit and for our faith while we’re there, but then as soon as we return to our ordinary, daily lives and to our routines and the fire dies out a little bit? That’s the seed falling on rocky soil.
How many times have we been afraid to share our faith at work or in our communities? Or how many times have we not paid attention in Mass because something else in on our minds? That’s the seed falling among the thorns.
But how much joy do we find in sharing the Gospel with others? How often do we find great joy and peace in participating in the Sacraments? What does it feel like when we recognize Christ in others? That’s the seed falling on good soil.
We are all capable of being rocky, thorny, or good soil. If we recognize what our thorns are and when we have a tendency to shy away from the faith because of persecution, then we are able to overcome those obstacles and replace the thorns and rocks with good soil.
St. Sharbel, pray for us!
Dakota currently lives in Denver, CO is studying for her Master’s in Spanish, and loves her job as an elementary school librarian. She is married to the love of her life, Ralph. In her spare time, she reads, goes to breweries, and watches baseball. Dakota’s favorite saints are St. John Paul II (how could it not be?) and St. José Luis Sánchez del Río. She is passionate about her faith and considers herself blessed at any opportunity to share that faith with others. Check out more of her writing at https://dakotaleonard16.blogspot.com.
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