The sower and the seed

Today we hear the well known gospel of the sower and the seed. (Mark 4:1-20). Jesus is teaching by the lake and it seems that as he looked inland he could see a man sowing seed on his land. It was a scene familiar to his hearers and Jesus bases himself on their knowledge to teach them through a parable. The sower was spreading an abundance of seed, some of which fell on the hard path, others on rocky soil or among weeds. Jesus is preaching his good news for the benefit of everyone, but just as the seed that remains on the surface of the hard soil was gobbled up by the birds, so the word will only produce good fruit if it enters deeply into the hearts of the hearers. I am reminded of the difficulty my Colombian friend, Luis Alberto, has learning English. He says the words go in one ear and out the other. Christopher Wren is buried in St Paul's Cathedral, the great church that he planned and built. On his tomb is written, ''If you wish to see his monument, look around you''. Jesus could say if you wish to see the goodness of God look around. Our bodies, the earth we live on, the constellations above us are glorious miracles for those who have eyes to see. Jesus concludes the parable with the promise that those who hear the word, accept and live it will be like the seed that falls in rich soil. They will produce a harvest of thirty, sixty and a hundred fold. Thank you, Lord. May our faith in your word produce a rich harvest of happiness as we share your goodness and love with our families and friends.