The key challenge of the parable of the Sower is in its closing line:
“Listen, anyone who has ears!”
The familiarity of the passage can make that especially challenging. It can lead us to be less attentive because we already “know” what the passages about.
Scripture doesn’t let us off with that attitude for very long, surprising us with new challenges and unexpected interpretations.
Generally, my thoughts and prayers go towards those places where the seed doesn’t take root. I think of the times when I push God’s Word to the fringes of my awareness, so I don’t have to hear its challenge to act. Or, I might reflect on those places in my heart that have become too hard to receive the Word in a way that allows it to become truly life changing.
Today, I found myself reflecting on the rich soil within me. We are very quickly aware of the times when the Word fails to take root, we know our lack of attentiveness, we know our hardness of heart. We are often less aware of the “rich soil” within us.
There is a part of us already open, waiting and longing for the Word to take root in our hearts and to allow it to transform our lives. It seems to me that in our challenging times it’s as important to pay attention to that “rich soil” and allow it to nourish and sustain us.
Where is Christ’s presence helping you to recognise the “rich soil” in your life today?