Good Soil, Bad Soil

July 13: Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time:

Isaiah 55:10-11; Psalm 65:10, 11, 12-13, 14; Romans 8:18-23; Matthew 13:1-23

Thoughts to help us surrender to Jesus expressing himself through us in ministry.

Good Soil, Bad Soil

“My word shall not return to me empty.” Isaiah 55:11

Discouraged, Jesus sat by the lake to think. People were not responding. But a crowd gathered, so he preached. He talked about why his words were not bearing fruit. Seed doesn't grow on the “beaten path,” in shallow soil or unweeded ground.

Surprise: even God’s words fail if 1. our culture makes us impervious to change; 2. we don’t reflect on them deeply; or 3. refuse to transform our lifestyle. But in hearts that are open, deep, and ready to respond in action, they “bear fruit” a hundred, sixty, or thirty times over. That puts the ball in our court.

Ultimately, God wins. “My word shall not return to me empty.” Jesus failed to convert Capernaum, Jerusalem, or the people in his home town (see Matthew 11:21; 13:54; 23:37). But after his resurrection he said: ““All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:18).  Paul failed with the Jews of Corinth, so he turned to the Gentiles (Acts 18:6). Whole countries have given up Christianity; new ones have accepted it. If one generation defects, another generation will embrace. God’s word does not return to him empty.

But if we ourselves refuse to be free, reflective and responsive, God’s own words will leave our hearts empty.

PRAY: “Lord, open my heart. Clarify my mind. Wake up my will.”

PRACTICE: Read, reflect, respond.