02/21/2023
The Good Soil
Matthew 13: 3-8/19-23: “…A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell upon thorns, and the thorns grew and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear.”
“When one hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the Evil One comes and snatches away what is sown in his heart; this is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on the rocky ground, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation and persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the delight in riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is he who hears the word and understands it; he indeed bears fruit, and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
In order for a sunflower to grow, it must be planted in good soil. The roots grow deep, and seek out the sources of water from within the ground. The flowers themselves grow towards the sun, and even follow it as it moves across the sky. Each flowerhead can measure more than 12” in diameter, and can contain up to 2,000 seeds.
God says you are the sunflower! He delights in your beauty! You are growing tall, and strong, and radiant in His light. Your roots have run deep and are drinking freely from the source of living water, which is Jesus Himself! He says you have tapped into the source of living water, and it is growing you. And as the sunflower always follows the sun, so you must always follow the Son. Jesus is the light of the world, and if you remain in His light, you will flourish. Follow where He leads, you can trust Him. The more you stand directly in His light, the more vibrant you will be. You will reflect His light. It will seem to glow from within you, and people will notice it! A world that is starving for Jesus will see His light in you, and it will draw them in. People you meet will be changed just from having seen you, because of the brightness of the Light within you. Just in the same way as we are changed from just having been in the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist! You are a walking monstrance! The seeds that come from you are Jesus! They are True food for this starving world. And just by your presence, you are feeding them. So continue to follow the Light! Stay with Him, wherever He leads. And continue to shine His light to all the world around you! And hear Him say, “well done, My good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord!”