Jesus likes using parables. Parables are simple yet complex stories that use everyday situations and experiences to teach important lessons. They are often multi-faceted, and we may find we see something different each time we approach them.
This week in the gospel, Jesus tells the crowd a parable about someone sowing grain. In many ways, he’s just describing a scene from normal daily life. Some of the grain fell where it was eaten by birds. Other grain fell where it couldn’t establish roots and withered in the sun. Some other grain fell among tough weeds and was choked out. And other grain fell on good soil and grew and yielded a good harvest. In the verses that follow Jesus’ telling of the parable, he explains the meaning of the parable to his disciples (who were asking questions in verses not included in this week’s reading). Jesus offers meanings for each of the contexts – how “the word of the kingdom” is thwarted in each and finally grows and bears fruit in the place that provides the needed resources.
As I’ve been looking at this parable this time, I have been drawn to the one sowing the grain. Unlike any planting I’ve ever been part of, this one is using broadcast planting where a handful of seed is thrown into the air and falls onto the field. It is an efficient way to seed a large area, but it is also a little reckless. Instead of carefully placing each seed in its own hole, the grain is strewn far and wide. Of course some of the seed will end up in places that will not nurture growth. But much of it will find rich deep soil and bring an abundant harvest. This is an extravagant and hope filled kind of planting!
Fortunately for the world, God is like this extravagant and hope-filled sower. God is recklessly generous with “the word of the kingdom”(God’s invitation to follow by loving and forgiving and welcoming those we encounter for that is what God wants for all creation). God is also recklessly generous with love for us, with forgiveness even when it isn’t merited, and welcome for everyone. God is like someone throwing grain far and wide, knowing that while some will fall in less-than-ideal places, plenty will surely land in places that will result in a rich harvest. I like the idea that God is extravagant and reckless with us, even though sometimes we are in circumstances that might lead to less than ideal outcomes. May God’s hope fill us with hope for abundant growth, too.
Peace,