The importance and Need of Sowing in places other than Good Soil

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 16th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 13:1-9*

*First Reading : Ex 16:1-5, 9-15*

*The importance and Need of Sowing in places other than Good Soil*

*1) Seed sown  in Four places*

The parable of the Sower, clearly shows us the seed sown  on four different places 

Seed on the path way or footpath

Seed on the rocky ground 

Seed on the thorny bushes

Seed on the good soil 

Seed fell on the good soil produced the yeild in different level. Some 100, Some 60 and other 30 

*2) The seed on the other places*

Seed fell on the pathway, rocky ground and the thorny bushes, failed to yeild the desired results 

So we often think that, the seed fell on these places were mere waste. 

We also think that if the sower was careful he would have sown all the seeds only good soil, so it would have yeilded at least some fruit  

According to the Human logic it is perfect. But is there any meaning in it? 

*3) The importance of sowing in other places*

It is easy to sow the seeds on the good soil and to get the fruit 

But it is difficult and challenging to sow the seeds in places other than good soil and to get the fruit 

Jesus not only sowed the seeds of the Kingdom of God, on the good soil but He sowed in other places as well 

*I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5.12*

This is the meaning of sowing in places other than good soil 

*4) Christian Spirituality consists in sowing also in places other than good soil*

As a good farmer, a Christian should sow in the seeds of the Kingdom of God in all the places 

Because at least some seeds may spout and yeild some fruit, if not 100 fold 

The mission of Jesus consists in taking risks and sowing in these places 

If one fails to sow in these places, we fail to take the challenges in doing our mission 

Sowing only in good soil and getting fruit is doing only the minimum

But we are not called to do the minimum. But to take risk and doing our mission 

*5) Some examples of Sowing in places other than Good Soil*

Continuously praying for the conversion of the political leaders without losing the hope 

Trying to love our enemies, with the hope of making friendship

Trying to change our life everyday, in spite of our weaknesses

Serving others without any rewards 

Offering oneself to face any persecutions for the sake of Christ 

Trying to spread the values of Christ, where Christ himself is not accepted 

Trying for forgive a person, who believes only in revenge 

Trying to humble oneself, before a proud person, who does not believe in humility

Loving a person who always try to hate you or belittle you 

Trying help a person who always wished and did only bad things for you 

*6)  Am I ready to sow in places other than good soil?*

This is a big challenge to all of us 

Since our mission and spirituality consists in sowing in these places, we are invited to take risks and to try in new soil to sow the seeds of the kingdom of God

So am I ready for this new venture?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*