Readings:

2 Samuel 7:4-17
Mark 4:1-20

Reflection:

Jesus told a parable about a farmer who planted seeds in four different types of soil. Only one of the soils produced a good crop. Jesus explained that the soils represented people’s hearts. He gave this illustration to help people determine what kind of soil they represent and then to decide what kind of soil they will be.

Mark 4 teaches us there is a spiritual connection between the heart and the ear. In verse 3 Jesus says “Listen!” In verse 9 He says, “He who has ears, let him hear.” In verse 12 He speaks of those who “may indeed hear but not understand.” And in verse 20 He speaks of those who “hear the word and accept it and bear fruit.”

Do you have ears that hear?  What do we need to hear?

The kingdom of God through the preaching of the gospel will break into this world like a seed being sowed by a farmer.  It will fall in various places, have various results, and may experience a tremendous harvest. When the word of God is planted in a good heart and accepted then it transforms the person. Good things will be produced in that person’s life.

We must sow the seed of the gospel so that others might hear and respond. The response will vary, they will be different from one person to another. This is what Jesus was preparing his disciples and us to understand in this parable.

What have you heard today?

What have you understood today?

What is God saying to you today from this parable?”

Where do you find yourself in this parable?

Joanne McGrath is a parishioner of St Brigid’s Marrickville and a Passionist Companion.

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