The approach of the Sower : Could it be Different?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 3rd Week: Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mk 4:1-20*

*First Reading : 2 Sm 7:4-17*

*The approach of the Sower : Could it be Different?*

*1) The Dominance of the Seed*

The moment we hear about the parable of the sower, we always think about the seed and its fruit. 

We reflect the parable in such a way that, the seed which fell on the path, rocky ground and thorny bushes fails to produce desired fruit and we concentrate on the seed which fell on the good soil 

In a way we neglect the seed which falls on these three places and we look for the seed which fell on good soil to get some fruit 

The seed which falls on the good soil is finally hailed for  the good fruit where as the seed which falls on the other three places considered as useless

*2) Is the Seed useless?*

In no way the seed was useless or of less quality 

If the same seed had fallen on the good soil, it would have produced good fruit 

So in no way seed can be blamed. Then we need to ask who is at fault? 

*3) The approach of the Sower*

Here the approach of the sower is very important. The seed finally has to fall from sowers hand. Seed has no freedom. But sower has the freedom to make a choice for the place for the seed 

So if the sower is careful, he can definitely change the destination of some of the seeds, which may finally fall in good soil, resulting in a good produce 

So the approach of the sower becomes very important and crucial for the seed 

*4) The sowers part is very important*

Before the sower sows the seed, he can take extra efforts to prepare the ground 

He can try to repair the rocky ground, inorder to make it more fruitful ground 

He can remove all the thorns and other unwanted things, to make the ground more fruitful 

While sowing he can be more careful, so that the seed may not fall on the path ways 

Here we can see how important the part of the sower is? 

*5) I am the sower of my life*

This parable has a direct connection for my life. 

I have a greater responsibility of preparing the ground for the seed 

First of all I need to repair the  rocky ground of my life. Unless I repair it, the seed which falls there becomes useless 

Secondly, I need to remove all thorns and wild bushes from my life, to prepare a good ground 

Thirdly I need to be very careful, while sowing, so that no seed falls on the pathways, which were eaten by the birds

*6) Rocky ground and Thorns*

This becomes a great hurdle for the seed to produce the fruit 

In our life these things represent the following 

Anger

Jealousy

Hatred

Revenge 

Selfishness

Greed 

Pride, 

Excessive desire for worldly things 

Unless we remove these things from life, the seed fails to produce the desired fruit 

As a sower am I ready to adopt this new approach? 

What is my role as a sower? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*