23 Sept 2017 - a highly competent gardener

Today's Readings

What do we need to grow? First, we need the seed. This is a gift from the sower.

you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God (see First Peter 1:23)

But the seed is given freely. Yet it does not always and everywhere grow with the same vitality.  What else is needed?

We are all called to let the seed take root, to care about it more than the things of the world, to plant it deeply in ourselves in order to have a generous heart and good heart. The parable of the sower describes both the inner landscape of spirit that allows the gospel to grow and bear fruit in us and also the relationship to the community around us that is most conducive to growth.

The seed needs good soil. It needs to be part of an ecosystem. It needs the protection the soil provides. Within the soil it needs space to grow. Thorns may be seen as agents of force trying to bring about change unwanted by the seed. They pursue their owns plans at the expense of the seed's growth. The seed needs room to grow, not at his own pace, not at a pace set by thorns, but at God's pace. What the seed needs to ensure the correct pace of growth is the right amount of room. In good soil, with enough room, the seed still needs to be watered. The Holy Spirit waters the soil of his Church with grace. He does this in many ways, but especially through the Sacraments. He also does so through us. If we see seeds that seem to be languishing we can pray for them or speak a word of encouragement to them. This maintenance of the ecosystem is a project not just for the priests but for all who hope to share in the fruit.

The sower is the King of kings and Lord of lords, immortal, dwelling in unapproachable light. He is also a highly competent gardener. Let us invite him to place us where he wants us and to tend us according to his wisdom and pleasure. Then we become able to actually keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Know that the LORD is God;
he made us, his we are;
his people, the flock he tends.