The Parable of the Sower

Readings: Jer 3:14-17; Ps: Jer 31; Gos: Mt 13:18-23

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico, the island of enchantment. He is the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. For more details and comments contact him at:  canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today is the Friday of the sixteenth week of ordinary time. In today’s gospel, Jesus explained the parable of the sower to his disciples.

If we sincerely examine ourselves in light of today’s parable, we will convincingly find our place within it.

The spreading of the seeds everywhere without considering the nature of the soil, and where they will fall simply, reflects the universality of salvation.

It is a sign that “God has no favorite. He wants everyone to hear the good news and be saved through its proclamation (Acts 10:34).

One point is clear from today’s gospel. The word of God is a viable seed. In other words, the problem is not with the seed. Rather, it is always with the receiver. That is, one’s attitude towards the word of God.

Unfortunately, for some of us, God’s word has lost its significance. It has become an old-fashioned story repeated for ages.

For others, it is an obstacle as Paul said: “We proclaim Christ crucified a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles” (1 Cor 1:23). Glory be to God that for many, it is still alive and new.

The way we receive, and treat the word of God determines who we are, and what it achieves in us. It is not meant to be received and quarantined.

Rather, it is meant to be lived. It is not meant to be passive in us. Rather, it is meant to nourish and become one with us, just as food forms flesh and becomes one with our mortal bodies.

It is supposed to shape our personality. That is, the way we live, speak, walk, and relate with others. So, as it was one with God in the beginning (Jn 1:1-4), so, it is meant to become one with us today and always.

Finally, the word of God shapes our faith.  So, our faith and life depend on it. Hence, Paul reminds us that: “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ.” (Rom 10:10 -17). 

May God help us to grow and mature in our faith, through His life-giving seed, the word sown in our hearts every day.

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha