As we enter the second week of Lent, an email I received drew my attention to Jesus’ parable of the sower. It’s one of the first parables (or stories) he told, and one of the shortest (and presumably easiest to interpret, although that might be an incorrect assumption).
You can read it in Matthew 13, but it goes like this. A reckless and wasteful farmer has seed to sow. We’ll think of it as corn since we’re in Indiana. Instead of planting the corn carefully in good soil, this one takes the corn seed and throws it all over the place with no thought as to where it will land. Some lands on rocky ground, some on ground covered with thorns, some on a foot path, and, finally, some on good soil where it can actually take root and grow.
Jesus later explains that the seed is the Word of God. This story illustrates how different people receive the “seed” of God’s Word. Some hear it, believe it, and live their lives by it. That’s the good soil. Others, however, reject it, are attracted to it but only for a short time, or get distracted by other things.
This parable hits us a bit differently in Lent, because Lent is a time for us to think about the connection between our life and our faith. The Bible is a huge part of that, because God’s Word guides us in defining our faith and how we are supposed to live in response.
Jesus’ parables are part of that seed. They either settle into us and take root over time … or not. Parables expose other things we’ve allowed to crowd out God’s Word and show what’s shallow in us. But they can also show us what we’re capable of becoming.
Jesus’ parables don’t simply tell a story. They reveal something about God and about us. They interrupt. They name what chokes the abundant life God wants for us. They point out distractions. And, they can also teach us how to be more faithful.
As we enter this second week of Lent, I invite you to reflect on this parable and your heart. What kind of soil am I? How receptive am I to the seed that God is throwing my way? What most often chokes the Word in me: worry, money, pleasure, the busyness of daily living? What can I do to make sure God’s Word takes root in me?
Prayer: God, plant your Word in my heart where it can take root and grow. Give me patience for growth and courage for change. Then help me share your Word with others who need to hear of your love for them. Amen.
