Matthew 13:3-9 NRSVue

³And he told them many things in parables, saying: “Listen! A sower went out to sow. ⁴And as he sowed, some seeds fell on a path, and the birds came and ate them up. ⁵Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. ⁶But when the sun rose, they were scorched, and since they had no root, they withered away. ⁷Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. ⁸Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. ⁹If you have ears, hear!”

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
What is the rocky ground in me? In what areas of my life does God's word have no chance? What are the thorns that choke the faith and hope in me? Do I nurture the faith of others? Am I a watering can for them, or a scorching sun? Where have I seen good soil, and plentiful harvest, in my life or in others around me?

Reflection
Each time we pray, the seed of God’s word and love are scattered. Each time we speak the kind word, do a kind deed, care for others in any way, the seed is bearing fruit. Our heart is the soil. Like a varied garden, the heart is many-sided. Our hurts, bitterness, sins weaken and destroy good soil. God is the one who purifies the heart so that the word of God takes effect.

Reflection
We never know where the good we try to do will bear fruit. Just as a river flows from the source and may water lands many miles away, our love and goodness can influence people in future generations. The love we share may be shared further with others. We are content to do what we can, and leave the fruits of our goodness to God.

Reflection
Prayer opens the heart to receive the word of God on all its different levels. God's word shares love with us, challenges our lives, introduces us to his truth. Time at prayer is like opening the soil, nourishing the soil of our souls so that we can hear the word, and bear fruit in our lives. We can pray that we bring forth love and faithfulness to God as best we can in our lives.

Reflection
There are words of Jesus that have found root in me, that flourish and give life: I thank God for them as I recognise again how God's Spirit is present and active in my life.

Reflection
Jesus knew that there would be many threats to his word, many situations in which it would not be fruitful. With him, I pay attention to where there is life and growth.