In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus explains that God chooses to “cast His seed” without hesitation and without discrimination to whomever receives His word. He says, “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside…some fell on rock….some among thorns….and some fell on good ground.” (Luke 8.5-8) It is important to notice that God didn’t wait to make sure His seed would only fall on good soil. NOR did He worry about whether or not there were weeds “waiting” to choke out the good seed. When God sows His seed, He throws it out for everyone, no matter who they may be. It is then up to us to receive His word, nurture it in our hearts, and bear rich bountiful fruit.
Saint John Chrysostom teaches, “For as the sower makes no distinction in the land submitted to him, but simply and indifferently casts his seed; so He Himself too makes no distinction of rich and poor, of wise and unwise, of slothful or diligent, of brave or cowardly.” In these words we see clearly the beautiful gift that God does not limit His love only to a select few….and neither should we.
Sometimes, as the parable teaches, demons come and snatch the good seed out of our hearts or our fruit may even rot on the vine. We should never be discouraged though, because next season, God will return to scatter His seed once again and we will have another chance to receive it, nurture it and bring forth fruit. Of course, we should do whatever is in our power to fend off the demons, but there will always be times, hopefully not too many, when we are not strong enough and we see the seed carried away from our hearts.
Sometimes, as the parable teaches, our hearts receive the seed but our world, filled with many distractions, draws our attention away and, even when the seed sprouts, it doesn’t produce strong fruit. But again, we should not worry, because God will come again and scatter His seed.
When should we worry? When we give up trying to produce the fruit; that’s when. As long as we keep trying, then God will keep sowing. So if you look into your heart today and can identify with either the path, the thorns, the rocks or even the good soil, consider that God is sowing His seeds for you to receive. Your job is to do the best you can and bear the best fruit with what you have in your heart.