We know that God’s Word is always present, ready to work in our hearts for good, and last weekend’s Gospel reading reminds us to prayerfully reflect on how open we are to receiving, planting, growing, and living that Word. In the parable of the sower, Jesus describes four ways that seed is sown: on the path, on rocky ground, among thorns, and on rich soil. (Matthew 13:18-23). I’m sure I’ve had moments in each of these categories, but as we know, only one will truly and fully bear good fruit. So, if we do find that our hearts are not always prepared with rich soil to welcome the Word of God to work in us, what can we do?
It is wonderful and fulfilling to hear, sing, and pray the Word of God to enrich our souls and strengthen our will, but our call is to also act on what we pray and sing and to respond to what we hear, so that the fruits we produce are ones that share His abundant love and grace. Out of love for the Lord and desire to please Him, we have likely been attempting to grow in His Word, but perhaps there are times we haven’t done the ‘cultivating’ it needs to thrive in us. The Lord certainly understands, but He is inviting us to nourish our hearts and recognize not only the abundant fruit around us but also the fruit we have to offer. We can begin creating that rich soil in our hearts with just a little more focus and prayerful reflection on what enriches and inspires us as well as what impedes and dissuades us. Are we trying to plant seeds of His goodness where the ground is too rocky or has too many thorns?
Life presents many distractions, so it’s not always easy to hear clearly or feel moved in spirit, but with a renewed focus on His Word and cultivated hearts eager to bear good fruit, we’ll embrace the opportunities and invitations to share His abundant love and grace. As a friend shared during a small group reflection, ‘This is what we’re about.’
‘But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.’ (Matt 13:23)
Journeying to Grace 
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