15th Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 13, 2014

Parable of the Sower and the Seed

The parable of the Sower and the Seed is a familiar one, for it was one of the few parables in the gospels that had an interpretation.  The sower was the missionary preacher who spread God's word indiscriminately.  The soil was the hearts of those who heard the word.  Most of the time, the word did not take deep root, but when it did, the yield was great.  The word in the heart of the true believer changes attitudes, lifestyles, and companions.

WEEKLY BLOG The Seeds We Sow

MP3 PODCAST  In this week's audio podcast, we discuss God's love of waste.  Through his waste of time and effort, the Good News was spread.  That insight explained the parable of the Sower and the Seed.

FIRST READING  In this reading from Isaiah 55, the prophet reminded his audience something we should realize.  God is in charge.  Like the rain fall, his word comes down to do his will.  Despite our mood or disposition, that thought should give us hope.

PSALM  Psalm 65 was an agricultural hymn that praised God for his mastery over the force of water.  By his will, the seas were calmed and the rain fell to replenish the earth.  With the rainy seasons came the planting and harvest cycles.  With God in control, ancient farmers in Israel could raise their crops in confidence.

SECOND READING  St. Paul wrote to the Church in Rome with a message of hope.  The suffering we endure now is nothing compared to the glory we will experience with Christ.  What justifies this hope?  Simply, the gift of the Spirit, for, with the Spirit, we have a sure foretaste of the Kingdom.

GOSPEL  The parable of the Sower and Seed was a favorite story in the early Church, for it spoke to the toil missionaries endured to spread the Good News.  Like many other parables, Jesus told this story to grab the attention of his audience.  Farmers in the time of Jesus were frugal; they planted each seed carefully so they could maximize yield.  But, the sower in the parable was indiscriminate, throwing seed without care. What a waste!  But, in the end, his yield was unimaginable.  So, the effort of the missionary who spread the word of God like seeds.  His or her effort might seem in vain at times, but, then, the word would take root and the local Church would grow.

CHILDREN'S READINGS  In the gospel story, Mrs. Dowd's class planted a garden, but different groups of students cared for the garden in varied ways.  Which groups would have success?  Which ones would fail?

FAMILY ACTIVITY  To help explain the parable of the Sower and the Seed, plant a family garden.  Of course, adjust your plans to the summer season to insure success.  Involve your family members to stress the point of the parable:  spreading God's word like seeds will bring a great yield.