Sown on Good Soil – Reflection on Matthew 13:18-23
We all know people who have no belief in divinity or heaven. We also know people who say they are spiritual but spend little time belonging to a community of believers or applying their spirituality to helping others. As believers in a Triune God, the best thing we can do in these cases is to express the benefit non-verbally or subtly. We can be ourselves by belonging to communities of belief, believing what is unveiled in the Word, persevering through daily challenges, and letting the Holy Spirit do the heavy lifting of changing hearts. To do so we may have obstructions and distractions that draw us away from living in Jesus’s presence. When we find ways to be in His presence, the fruit of our holding off vices and the subtle negative call of the other side becomes visible. Our awareness and gratefulness that Jesus has sown on good soil with us for doing and being present for others is a sufficient reward.
The Sower by James Tissot (full resolution painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
. Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 13:18-23 – Scripture*
The Parable of the Sower Explained
18 “Hear then the parable of the sower. 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. 23 But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 13:18-23 Reflection – Sown on Good Soil.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate your expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Matthew 13 passage.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Sown on Good Soil
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