This week I was surprised by the indiscriminate generosity of the Farmer. He scatters seed here and there without any regard to the possibility or viability of the seed finding a place to land and flourish. The first miracle seems to me to be the mysterious power for new life in the seed itself. The second miracle may well be all that is given to us to nurture the soil of our hearts.
Jesus use of parables was meant to ready us to learn and integrate something at a deeper place inside of us. Allow yourself to imagine the tone of His voice as you listen to the nuance of His words in this teaching story. Does the heart behind his words change what you are hearing?
Be compassionate and curious about whatever rises up within you. Observe your reactions and welcome them. Let yourself be seen by this generous Farmer and wise Teacher. Notice how they look at you as you ponder and dialogue about this text.
Matthew 13:1-9. 18-23 The Message
At about that same time Jesus left the house and sat on the beach. In no time at all a crowd gathered along the shoreline, forcing him to get into a boat. Using the boat as a pulpit, he addressed his congregation, telling stories.
“What do you make of this? A farmer planted seed. As he scattered the seed, some of it fell on the road, and birds ate it. Some fell in the gravel; it sprouted quickly but didn’t put down roots, so when the sun came up it withered just as quickly. Some fell in the weeds; as it came up, it was strangled by the weeds. Some fell on good earth, and produced a harvest beyond his wildest dreams.
“Are you listening to this? Really listening?”
“Study this story of the farmer planting seed. When anyone hears news of the kingdom and doesn’t take it in, it just remains on the surface, and so the Evil One comes along and plucks it right out of that person’s heart. This is the seed the farmer scatters on the road.
“The seed cast in the gravel—this is the person who hears and instantly responds with enthusiasm. But there is no soil of character, and so when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it.
“The seed cast in the weeds is the person who hears the kingdom news, but weeds of worry and illusions about getting more and wanting everything under the sun strangle what was heard, and nothing comes of it.
“The seed cast on good earth is the person who hears and takes in the News, and then produces a harvest beyond his wildest dreams.”
For Reflection and Prayer:
Was there a word, phrase or image which caught your attention you as you listened to or slowly read the text? Quietly reflect on it in your prayer with Jesus. Journal your conversation.
What feelings or physical sensations– either comfortable or uncomfortable – are rising up in you as you listen to this text? Gently bring this awareness into your prayer with Jesus. Listen for how he meets you in these feelings.
Imagine, sketch or color a picture of what of what you are hearing in this story.
Savor any consoling words or pictures as you quietly rest in God’s compassion for you.
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